January 24, 2022
Disaster assistance recovery grants of up to $50,000, as well as low-interest loans of up to $250,000, have now been extended to eligible primary producers in the Somerset region.
The financial assistance is being jointly funded by the Federal and State governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Assistance has also been extended to councils and State agencies in the North Burnett, Gympie and Bundaberg to assist with the costs of clean-up and damage repairs.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the unprecedented rainfall had caused considerable disruption.
“As more councils come forward with reports of damage from last year that are now compounded by the most recent floods, the State and Federal governments are working together to ascertain exactly what assistance is needed and where,” Mr Miles said.
“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has gathered information on the effects on producers in Somerset and they are considerable, and damage to roads only exacerbates supply issues at a time when COVID is really hitting availability.
“I am pleased to also announce that freight subsidies of up to $5000 are available to help these producers overcome these difficulties and send their crops and stock to market.
“These grants, loans and freight subsidies are a great step in helping communities get supply chains moving again.”
External links:
- Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – Central, Southern & Western Qld Producers (Nov 10-Dec 3; defined disaster area includes Somerset, South Burnett, Toowoomba and Western Downs council areas)
- Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants – Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth (Jan 7-10; defined disaster area includes Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett council areas)
