New assistance for Far North Queensland primary producers

New support measures are now available to farmers and primary producers in Far North Queensland communities affected by recent bushfires.

The Australian and Queensland Governments have activated jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for affected primary producers in the Local Government Areas of Cook, Mareeba and Tablelands.

Producers who were impacted by the blazes of October and November 2023 now have access to operational loans to aid their recovery.

Concessional loans up to $250,000 can be used to repair or replace damaged plant and equipment, farm infrastructure or livestock.

Working capital concessional loans up to $100,000 are also available for wages, rents, buying fuel and fodder, and transportation costs, while freight subsidies up to $5000 can assist efforts too.

The assistance is the latest offered by both levels of government to help speed up the recovery for producers affected by the fires.

In November, councils received DRFA assistance to help cover the extraordinary expenses associated with disaster response and community recovery while financial support through the jointly-funded Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme was provided to families to help cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine.

More information on Primary Producer and Essential Working Capital Loans is available through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

For freight subsidies contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au.