DRFA grant eligibility amendments allow Queensland farmers to re-establish disaster affected crops

For the first time ever, flood impacted Queensland farmers can access Disaster Recovery Grants for replanting activities after a disaster event.

The groundbreaking changes to criteria around the grants, funded under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will provide a welcome and immediate boost to current flood recovery efforts in north Queensland.

Disaster affected north and Far North farmers eligible under the DRFA can now access grants up to $75,000 for replanting, fertilising and other activities to re-establish crops destroyed by recent severe weather.

The significant changes to this DRFA extraordinary assistance measure will ensure all disaster hit farmers across Queensland can not only rebuild their property but re-establish their livelihood as well by:

• Replanting lost or damaged plants with the same or comparable crops
• Purchasing plants, seed, seedlings, root and/or tube stock and tissue cultures
• Purchasing chemicals for weed and/or pest control
• Purchasing establishment fertiliser

In addition to replanting activities, primary producers can continue using disaster funding to address infrastructure damage, repair or replace equipment, and feed livestock. 

These eligibility amendments speak to the government's commitment to give a fair go to local farmers and to common-sense changes that will strengthen disaster recovery efforts.

Today's announcement will no doubt give north Queensland farmers the confidence they need to get back on their feet and continue to produce great Australian agricultural products.

North Queensland State Recovery Coordinator Andrew Cripps called the amendments "a game-changer for growers" who’ve lost crops and want to get back to production as soon as possible.

“This has been a structural problem in the disaster recovery framework for primary producers for a long time,” Mr Cripps said.

“I'm delighted we've been able to achieve this reform for impacted farmers and landholders recovering from the north Queensland flood event.”

Primary producers who have suffered recent flood damage are encouraged to contact the Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946 for guidance on the changes to Disaster Recovery Grant eligibility.