June 20, 2012

The Newman Government today announced a four-month extension to the closing date for recovery grants schemes introduced in response to the disasters of 2011 and 2012.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said applications would now be accepted until October 31, 2012.

“These schemes provide grants of up to $25,000 to eligible primary producers, small business and not-for-profit organisations to assist with clean up and recovery activities,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Industry has told us some producers haven’t been able to complete these works by the 30 June cutoff date because of ongoing wet conditions or an inability to secure contractors.

“The Newman Government wants to help business and producers, not hinder them. Extending the closing date for applications will ensure that the neediest don’t miss out on accessing this assistance.”

These schemes are a Category C measure under the joint Commonwealth State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), introduced in response to the floods of early 2011 and Cyclone Yasi and the flooding in south-west Queensland of early 2012.

The schemes to be extended to October 31, 2012 are the:

  • Special Disaster Flood Assistance (November 2010 to January 2011) Scheme
  • Special Disaster Floods (November 2010 to January 2011) Non-profit Organisations Assistance Scheme
  • Special Disaster Tropical Cyclone Yasi Assistance Scheme
  • Special Disaster Western Queensland Tropical Low 2012 Assistance Scheme

“I’ve seen some of the worst affected areas and spoken to those who were hit hard. From Tully to Charleville, people are still hurting so the deadline has been extended,” he said.

Mr McVeigh said the enhanced concessional loan scheme, which was introduced in 2011 to assist those businesses and producers which had suffered extreme damage, was closing at the end of the month.

“This Category D extreme damage loan and grant package closes on June 30, 2012 so I remind anyone who intends to apply that they need to lodge their applications by the end of June to be considered,” he said.

Anyone looking to apply for this assistance should contact QRAA on 1800-623-946.

More information is available on the QRAA website