Disaster assistance guidelines expanded to support more producers
- More Queensland farmers will be able to access support under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
- Definition of a primary producer amended to now include income from agricultural support services such as harvesting and mustering.
- Changes apply to all relevant DRFA assistance measures directly relating to primary producers and can be applied retrospectively.
More Queensland producers will now be able to access support under changes to the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
A primary producer whose income includes agricultural support services such as cane harvesting, contract mustering, artificial insemination, cattle droving services, and contract milking services is now eligible for primary producer DRFA grants, as this is considered primary production income.
This means disaster-affected farmers who may have been previously ineligible for assistance in Queensland can apply for support measures like Disaster Recovery Grants, disaster loans and freight subsidies.
The DRFA supports communities, businesses and industries impacted by severe weather and is a joint initiative of the Australian and state and territory governments.
This important update will be particularly welcomed by local primary producers affected by the record-breaking 2024-25 disaster season.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said the Australian Government has been working with the Queensland Government to ensure producers are able to access support under the DRFA.
"These agricultural support services are essential for sustaining a small-scale farming operation, and we want to make sure these producers are supported in their disaster recovery," Minister McBain said.
"This amendment to the way these grants are delivered will give more farmers security and confidence that when severe weather strikes, they can get back on their feet."
Federal Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Anthony Chisholm said the expanded guidelines will deliver assistance to some of the state's most remote areas.
"This summer saw severe weather strike towns in some of Queensland's very remote areas, so the more assistance we can deliver for producers in these areas the better.
"Queensland farmers are as resilient as they come, but they expect governments of all persuasions to give them a hand when they need it most, and that's what we're doing."
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett said the changes will help many local producers every year.
"Agriculture is vital to every Australian and when our producers suffer, we all do," Minister Perrett said.
"These are men and women making sure we have food on the table, and in times of disaster it's vital all support avenues are available to them.
"Importantly, these changes will also be applied retrospectively to Queensland's 2025 summer events, so I encourage any farmer previously deemed ineligible under the DRFA to contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 to find out what the amendments mean for them."
