Funding now available to farmers and more councils hit by ex-TC Kirrily

As ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily lingers, disaster assistance has been activated for primary producers and nine additional councils impacted by the rainfall and flooding.

Farmers in Boulia, Burdekin, Burke, Charters Towers, Moreton Bay, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Lockyer Valley, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond, Townsville, Western Downs and Winton can apply for low-interest Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000.

Eligible primary producers in those areas can also apply for up to $100,000 in Essential Working Capital Loans to continue doing business, and up to $5,000 in freight subsidies.

The concessional loans will help primary producers replace farm equipment damaged by the floods, manage livestock, pay wages, and purchase critical items such as fuel, fodder and water.

Support measures have also been activated for Balonne, Doomadgee, Maranoa, Mount Isa, Somerset, and Southern Downs Councils for clean-up operations and the restoration of damaged essential public assets such as roads and bridges.

Additionally, Bulloo, Murweh and North Burnett Councils can access funding for repairs to their local road network, taking the total number of local governments activated for funding in response to ex-TC Kirrily to 32.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority continues to monitor local recovery efforts and will activate further DRFA support where required.

All assistance is being provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Primary producers interested in Disaster Assistance Loans and Essential Working Capital Loans can call the Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on 1800 623 946 or email  www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

For freight subsidies producers can contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) on 13 25 23 or via www.daf.qld.gov.au.