October 2, 2014
More than $211 million was channelled to drought-stricken farmers and victims of natural disasters by the State Government during the past financial year.
Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said today the annual report from the QRAA showed the agency approved more than 5600 applications for financial assistance across a range of loan, grant, rebate and subsidy programs in 2013-2014.
“When Queenslanders are doing it tough, we make sure they get the help they need as soon as they need it,” Mr McVeigh said.
“This report demonstrates what invaluable work the QRAA does for communities across our state.”
Highlights of QRAA’s performance outlined in the 2013-14 Annual Report include:
- More than $211 million (through more than 5600 applications) was approved in financial assistance across all loan, rebate, grant and subsidy programs
- Six new service arrangements were secured, including the Drought and Farm Finance Concessional Loan Schemes
- The uptake of disaster assistance related to Tropical Cyclone Oswald remained solid during 2013-14, with more than $78 million (5000 applications) approved under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
- Applications for the Primary Industry Productivity Enhancement Scheme (PIPES) remained steady – with 209 applications and $74 million approved to new and existing producers during the financial year
- QRAA’s loan portfolio increased by more than $71 million, taking the total gross value of the loan book to more than $484 million at June 30.
QRAA chief executive officer Colin Holden said the organisation was well-positioned to continue to provide a broad, flexible and cost-effective range of administrative services to assist government agencies deliver financial programs to the highest standards.
