Grants and loans for disaster hit producers in FNQ Indigenous shires

Impacted primary producers in three Far North Queensland Indigenous shires can now access financial assistance for their recovery from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Eligible farmers in the Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah local government areas can apply for funds to help with immediate recovery, the repair and replacement of essential assets, and for operational expenses.

Included in the suite of assistance measures are Extraordinary Recovery Grants, Disaster Assistance Loans, Essential Working Capital Loans, and freight subsidies.

Assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Extraordinary Recovery Grants up to $75,000 are available to assist with work associated with immediate recovery efforts.

Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 can be used to repair or replace damaged plant and equipment, farm infrastructure, or for the purchase of new livestock.

Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 for operational expenses like wages, rents, buying fuel and fodder, and transportation, can also be accessed.

Additionally, freight subsidies up to $5,000 will alleviate the costs of moving stock and operating materials.

Previously announced support for residents of Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah Shires offers a range of Personal Hardship Assistance, including Structural Assistance Grants up to $50,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers to repair their home.

Additionally, councils are receiving funding for their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets in the wake of ex-TC Jasper.

Information about recovery grants and disaster loans is online at www.qrida.qld.gov.au, and for more on freight subsidies visit www.daf.qld.gov.au.

The Queensland Community Recovery Hotline, 1800 173 349, is also available around the clock for questions on personal disaster assistance, eligibility and applying for support.