Jont media release with the Hon Ann Leahy MP
- A range of new flood assistance measures are available for Etheridge Shire to help primary producers, small businesses and community organisations.
- Measures include disaster grants and loans, emergency fodder assistance, and primary producer industry support.
- Disaster loans up to $100,000 can also now be accessed by not-for-profits in 13 local government areas.
More disaster assistance has been activated for Etheridge Shire following recent severe flooding, and a raft of other measures have also been extended to affected communities, including disaster loans for not-for-profits in 13 local government areas.
This assistance is provided by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
New flood support for Etheridge includes Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000 for primary producers and $25,000 for small businesses, disaster loans up to $250,000 for small businesses, emergency fodder assistance for farmers, and primary producer industry support.
Etheridge is also one of 13 LGAs where impacted not-for-profit organisations can seek disaster loans up to $100,000, with other jurisdictions including Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Central Highlands, Flinders, Isaac, Livingstone, Mackay, McKinlay, Richmond, Townsville, Whitsunday, and Winton.
Additional flood support measures are now available for primary producers in Livingstone Shire in the form of disaster loans and freight subsidies, while Disaster Recovery Grants have been made available for producers in Isaac and Mackay.
For information on disaster grants and loans visit Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, for emergency fodder contact your local council, and for freight subsidies call the Queensland Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was listening to community recovery needs and acting decisively.
"We have 46 LGAs receiving disaster assistance following the devastating summer floods and we're making sure we continue extending support where it's needed," Minister McBain said.
"The disaster loans for community not-for-profits will provide grassroots organisations with vital cashflow to guide their recovery and return to regular operations.
"We've also co-funded more than $66 million in extraordinary recovery assistance for primary producers, small businesses, flood clean-up and mental health support, and we're looking at more targeted support packages for the future."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the extensive flood emergency requires a response of equal scale.
"As tough as Queenslanders are, they need our support now, and we will continue to be with them every step of the way through their recovery journey," Minister Leahy said.
"Our focus remains on ensuring every necessary assistance measure is available to those hardest hit by these floods.
"Whether you're a farmer in the remote north-west or run a sporting club in a regional centre, the support we're announcing today will help keep you afloat through this challenging period of recovery."
