September 6, 2022
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has urged the State Government to extend the deadlines for Disaster Assistance Grants.
Mrs Frecklington wrote to agriculture Minister Mark Furner late last month saying that ongoing wet weather since last November had made it difficult for primary producers to access paddocks and secure contractors to undertake works.
“I have been contacted by primary producers who are concerned they will be unable to meet the deadlines for submission of their grant applications, given works must be completed and fully paid prior to submission,” Mrs Frecklington wrote.
“They note that continued wet weather, and difficulties securing contractors to undertake works (especially earthworks) has delayed their ability to start their restoration activities.”
Mrs Frecklington said the first deadline was very soon, September 30, for people affected by the November 2021 floods.
“Anyone affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth in early January must submit by October 28, and for the February/March event, by December 5,” she said.
“This will be nearly impossible for producers who need to undertake earthworks as the paddocks are just too wet for this type of activity. In some cases, even accessing paddocks for fencing is still too difficult.
“On behalf of our primary producers, I have requested an extension of at least three months to provide more time and help relieve some of the unnecessary stress this is causing.”
