- Vet fees associated with the health and welfare for production livestock and costs associated with carcass disposal are eligible under Disaster Recovery Grants funding.
- Primary producers urged to be careful of the risks associated with a range of bacterial diseases that thrive in water, wet soil and carcasses that can cause serious diseases in humans.
- $21.5 million available for primary producer Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000 from the Queensland and Australian governments.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have activated funding support for primary producers in flooded areas to claim eligible veterinary fees associated with the health and welfare of production livestock as a result of the disaster and during the recovery period as well as costs associated with carcass disposal on their own property.
Under the funding, eligible vet fees include call-out charges and any costs associated with carcass disposal.
In addition, freight subsidies up to $5,000 per property to move essential materials including fodder, building and fencing materials, machinery, and animals for restocking is available.
The Department of Primary Industries continues to work closely with producers, industry stakeholders and local communities across north and north west Queensland to offer financial and practical support wherever possible.
The Department understands many producers are still dealing with immediate safety and recovery priorities.
As the recovery efforts continue, many producers will face the difficult task of dealing with large numbers of deceased stock.
Before producers consider moving any dead animals, the Department urges them to consider their own safety first. There are several bacterial diseases in water, wet soil and carcasses that can cause serious diseases in humans.
Producers are encouraged to follow on-farm biosecurity procedures, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, leather or rubber boots, clothes that cover as much skin as possible, and respiratory and eye protection.
Producers should aim to handle the carcasses as little as possible, use machines if they are available and wash your hands well with soap and water.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said both levels of government would continue to work closely to address recovery needs.
"I saw firsthand the severe impact this flood event has had on primary producers during my visit to some of the worst hit areas this week. It's been a truly tough time for communities in these flood-hit regions," Minister McBain said.
"That's why the Albanese Government partnered with the Crisafulli Government to rapidly activate a joint $38 million recovery package earlier this week, including the $75,000 Disaster Recover Grants.
"I want the people of Queensland to know that we will continue to be there for you through the long recovery."
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said that vet fees and costs associated with carcass disposal can be significant and add to already burdened primary producers.
"I've been on the ground in the north west this week and I've seen the devastation that has affected producers and landholders firsthand," Minister Perrett said
"We know this is a really difficult time for our primary producers, both emotionally and financially. These grants can ease some of that financial burden.
"We are also encouraging affected producers to complete the Disaster Impact Survey to report damages and losses on their property. This information will help speed up the process to activate disaster relief.
"Without that information we can't accurately assess the scope and scale of the devastating losses that our primary producers are facing."
Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000 are open for applications on the QRIDA website .
Financial support is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Complete the Disaster Impact Survey here.
