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Rural

21 January, 2022

Somerset producers can claim flood damage

Eligible primary producers in the Somerset region can claim extraordinary disaster assistance recovery grants of up to $50,000, as well as low-interest loans of up to $250,000, after the floods that hit Central, Southern and Western Queensland in November and December 2021.


Somerset producers can claim assistance to recover from flood damage
Somerset producers can claim assistance to recover from flood damage

The financial assistance is being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said assistance was also available to assist local councils and state agencies with the costs of clean-up and damage repairs associated with the floods.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) 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 $5,000 are also 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.”

This extension of the DRFA is in addition to the disaster assistance already available in Balonne, Banana, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Diamantina, Goondiwindi, Flinders, Lockyer Valley, Longreach, Maranoa, Murweh, Scenic Rim, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Downs as a result of the Central, Southern & Western Qld Rainfall & Flooding, 10 November -3 December 2021 event.

For more information on assistance available to primary producers and small businesses, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or freecall 1800 623 946.

For information on freight subsidies, please contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries by visiting www.daf.qld.gov.au or phone the DAF Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the QRA’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au 

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