August 21, 2012

Flood-affected primary producers, business owners and non-profit organisations in the South Burnett have been urged to book an appointment to meet with the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority’s regional Client Liaison Officer to discuss the assistance available for their flood recovery efforts.

The application deadline for Special Disaster Assistance grants has been extended to October 31, 2012.

QRAA Chief Executive Officer Colin Holden said people from these groups affected by the Queensland Floods (November 2010–January 2011) should make a booking with the QRAA to discuss the assistance available, eligibility requirements and the application process.

“The temporary office will be an opportunity for producers, business owners and non-profit organisations to meet with QRAA’s regional Client Liaison Officer Bill Fletcher to discuss their individual situation,” Mr Holden said.

“QRAA has approved more than $24 million in flood recovery assistance to nearly 1500 primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations in the North Burnett, South Burnett and Gympie regions since November 2010.”

Eligible applicants can apply for the following assistance:

  • Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement Assistance (joint Commonwealth/Queensland Government funded assistance scheme)
  • Special Disaster Assistance (grants up to $25,000) to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations to pay for clean-up and restoration costs arising out of direct damage

Assistance available through QRAA includes:

  • First Start Loans up to $650,000 for applicants wishing to enter primary production
  • Sustainability Loans up to $650,000 for primary producers wishing to further enhance their long-term enterprise productivity.

QRAA’s new reduced interest rates are 4.24 per cent fixed for one year, 4.26 per cent fixed for three years and 4.52 per cent fixed for five years on all First Start and Sustainability Loans drawn down from July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.

The QRAA temporary office will be at:

  • Goomeri SES Office, Moore Street, Goomeri (opposite the post office) on Wednesday, August 22, 10:00am–4:00pm
  • Blackbutt Hall, 69 Hart Street, Blackbutt, on Wednesday, September 26, 9:00am–4:40pm

For further information on the assistance available, including eligibility criteria, visit the QRAA website

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