Alan Broome with South Burnett Council CEO Ken McLoughlin last year

February 2, 2013

The floods have had a positive result for at least one local South Burnett-based service.

The Farm Financial Counselling service, run by Alan Broome, was axed in last year’s State Budget but has had at least a temporary reprieve in the wake of the floods and lobbying by Member of Nanango Deb Frecklington.

The service assists farmers with Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority applications.

Alan was on the job today, talking to farmers at a hastily called meeting at Mondure Hall.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Communities and the South Burnett Regional Council to explain what assistance is available so far.

Alan can be contacted at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry complex in Kingaroy on (07) 4160-0736, mobile 0427-600-717 or by email 

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Primary producers and small businesses in the South Burnett, North Burnett, Gympie and Toowoomba regional council areas have been reminded they can access concessional loans and freight subsidies.

These shires – among of a total of 23 in Queensland – are eligible for “Category B” disaster assistance.

Agriculture Minister Mr John McVeigh said today Category B assistance included concessional loans to small businesses and primary producers of up to $250,000.

“There is also provision for freight subsidies of up to $5000 for the movement of recovery materials, such as fodder and building materials,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Concessional loans can be used for repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment, buildings, purchasing replacement livestock, and carry on requirements including replanting, restoring and re-establishing disaster impacted areas, paying rates, sustenance and other essential property operations.”