$5 million disaster loans now available for outback producers

Low interest loans up to $5 million can now be accessed by western Queensland primary producers affected by this year's flooding disaster.

Normally capped at $250,000, this significant loan increase from the Queensland and Australian Governments acknowledges the catastrophic devastation the floods have had on outback farming businesses. 

The funds are available to help farmers re-establish normal operations and can be used to repair or replace damaged plant, equipment or building, and for the purchase of livestock to replace those lost in the disaster.

Loans are available to producers in the local government areas of Balonne, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton.

The concessional interest rate for these loans is set at 2.14%, with applications open till 31 December 2026.

This financial assistance is being made available through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help hard working western Queensland primary producers get back on their feet.

In addition, the Queensland Government has expanded the list of eligible activities covered under DRFA Disaster Recovery Grants and loans for primary producers to include removal of damaged crops, plants and trees, and the purchase of seed, seedlings or trees to immediately resume operations.

The government has also worked closely with the Commonwealth to broaden the definition of primary production under the DRFA to better account for income derived from off-farm production.

This means primary production contracting businesses providing services like farm irrigation, mustering, shearing, silage baling and timber plantation maintenance can now access DRFA support if needed.

Inclusion of these contracting businesses applies to the major disasters of 2025, including the Western Queensland Surface Trough, North and Far North Tropical Low, and Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Financial assistance available to primary producers for these events includes: 

• Disaster Recovery Grants for clean-up and recovery
• Disaster assistance loans to assist with returning to normal operations
• Essential working capital loans for operational expenses

For more information about DRFA assistance available to disaster affected primary producers, call 1800 623 946 or visit the QRIDA website.