Joint media release with the Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP and The Hon Jeremy Rockliff MP
Grants of up to $25,000 will be available from mid next week to support Tasmanian small businesses and primary producers impacted by the October flooding with clean-up and restoration activities.
The financial assistance is being jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The grant includes an up-front payment of $2,500 to provide immediate cash flow relief.
Assistance will be available for eligible impacted small businesses and primary producers in the 17 local government areas hardest hit by the severe weather; Break O'Day, Burnie, Central Coast, Central Highlands, Circular Head, Devonport, Dorset, Flinders, George Town, Kentish, Latrobe, Launceston, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands, Waratah-Wynyard, West Coast and West Tamar.
More information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, will be made available on TasALERT in the coming days.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:
I want everyone in Tasmania to know that the Commonwealth stands ready and committed to provide support now and through the recovery.
The October flooding event has caused extensive damage and significant loss to individuals, businesses and farmers in North and North West Tasmania.
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff:
There is no doubt the severe flooding has had a massive impact and disruption on many Tasmanians in the North and the North West, and my thoughts are with everyone affected.
The massive clean-up job is under way and there is a long and difficult recovery ahead.
We know that assistance is needed and we are responding, in partnership with our Federal colleagues.
Small businesses and primary producers play an integral part in our local economies and communities, and this assistance will help contribute to minimising disruption and assist with the clean-up process.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt:
This assistance package will provide a much-needed helping hand for Tasmanian communities affected by the severe weather.
I've spoken to a number of farmers in Tasmania since the floods and it's clear there's a big clean up job ahead. A range of industries have been impacted at a critical time of year for producers.
Our thoughts are with all those affected, including those that have suffered damage to their properties, businesses and possessions and all those enduring the emotional stress that comes with a natural disaster.
