$160M Aid Boost for Flood-Hit Western Queensland
More than $160 million delivered to support flood ravaged Western Queensland
- $105 million extraordinary disaster assistance package delivered for flood affected Western Queenslanders.
- The support will help rebuild key exclusion fencing and continue fodder drops to stranded livestock.
- $57 million in disaster grants for flood affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits, including grants of up to $75,000.
The Crisafulli Government has secured more than $160 million in joint State and Commonwealth funding to support flood impacted Western Queensland communities and primary producers.
The funding will include $105 million Exclusion Fence Restitution Program to provide grants up to $500,000 to eligible primary producers to rebuild damaged or destroyed fencing and help contain and protect surviving livestock.
Demand for fodder has seen an additional $7 million put towards the previously announced Emergency Fodder Support Package, taking total investment to $12 million.
Disaster loans will also be increased from $250,000 to $5 million in an event-specific measure recognising the devastating flood impacts to the region’s primary producers and the number of livestock lost.
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the package was crucial to getting Western Queensland back on its feet after record floods.
“The Crisafulli Government is serious about supporting Queenslanders, and this funding means we can immediately get started on Western Queensland’s long road to recovery,” Minister Leahy said.
“These communities are our State’s heartland and right now they need our help more than ever.
“It will be a long journey for these communities, but these these floodwaters will not wash away our collective resolve and we will be with them every step of the way.”
This new funding package is in addition to the previously activated $57.5 million grants package, with up to $75,000 available to primary producers and $25,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said last financial year the disaster declared region’s cattle, sheep and goat activity contributed almost $800 million to the State.
“Once surviving stock can get access to grass, the effort will turn to critical fencing repairs, it will take an enormous effort and this funding will assist,” Minister Perrett said.
“The Crisafulli Government is here for the long haul, we will work with channel country graziers to return this part of the state to full production.
“We understand the heartbreak, we understand the impact, but we are here to support you with whatever is needed and give hope there will be better seasons ahead.”
Support can be used for recovery activities that will bring a return to operation, including cleaning, repairs and asset replacement, restocking, resupply and replanting.
Flood impacted primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits can check their eligibility and apply for Disaster Recovery Grants through QRIDA via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or 1800 623 946.
These extraordinary assistance measures are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102386