Disaster assistance extended to Longreach primary ...

Disaster assistance has been extended to primary producers in the local government area of Longreach as they continue to recover from Severe Tropical Cyclone Trevor. 

Minister for Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said assistance was being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister Reynolds CSC said the recovery of Queensland’s agricultural sector remains a priority for all levels of government.

“Through the DRFA, primary producers in the Longreach region can now access financial assistance in the form of low interest loans and freight subsidies,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Longreach primary producers who have suffered a significant loss of income can now access concessional loans up to $100,000 to continue operations.

“In addition, concessional loans of up to $250,000 are available to eligible primary producers to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant and equipment or livestock.”

Mr Crawford said TC Trevor had caused wide-spread damage in areas already working to recover from previous extreme weather events.

“Primary producers around Longreach have not only faced years of drought, but are now working to get back on their feet after Trevor,” he said.

“Through DRFA, freight subsidies of up to $5000 are now available to eligible Longreach primary producers for the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building and fencing materials.

“We will continue to work with our hardworking farmers on their long road to recovery.”

A range of DRFA assistance measures are now available in 21 local government areas in response to Severe Tropical Cyclone Trevor: Aurukun, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bullo, Burke, Cloncurry, Cook, Diamantina, Doomadgee, Douglas, Isaac, Lockhart River, Longreach, Mareeba, Mornington, Murweh, Pormpuraaw, Quilpie and Winton.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au and the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.  

ENDS

Media contacts:

Nicky Hamer 0466 535 875 (Assistant Minister Reynolds)

Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116 (Minister Crawford)