November 2, 2012

The Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority has approved more than $285 million in financial assistance to more than 28,000 primary producers, business owners and non-profit organisations across Queensland during the past 12 months.

Agriculture Minister Mr John McVeigh today thanked the QRAA for helping Queensland recover from recent natural disasters.

“QRAA has responded to a large number of primary producers and small business operators seeking assistance through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements,” Mr McVeigh said.

As well, the QRAA approved more than $60 million in 2011-12 in First Start and Sustainability Loans to 194 primary producers, provided under the Queensland Government Primary Industry Productivity Enhancement Scheme.

Mr McVeigh met with QRAA managers this week to review the authority’s 2011-12 performance.

“I stressed that continuous improvement in service and corporate governance needed to remain a key focus as well as maximum delivery of benefits for least cost,” the Minister said.

QRAA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Tony O’Dea said the organisation was well positioned to continue responding to government priorities and emerging business needs.

“QRAA will continue to play an important role in administering government assistance programs,” Mr O’Dea said.

“These programs will support the Newman Government’s objectives of doubling food production by 2040 and making agriculture one of the four pillars of the State’s economy.”

Highlights of QRAA’s performance outlined in the 2011-12 Annual Report include:

  • Approved more than $285 million (28,582 applications) in financial assistance across all loan, rebate, grant and subsidy programs
  • Administered more than $212 million to 12,210 primary producers, business owners and non-profit organisations under the joint Commonwealth / Queensland State Government Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements
  • For the first time in QRAA’s history, more than $60 million was approved under the Primary Industry Productivity Enhancement Scheme
  • Approved more than 16,000 applications and over $11 million in rebates under the Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme.

A copy of QRAA’s 2011-12 Annual Report can be viewed on QRAA’s website