- Exclusion Fencing Recovery Grants of up to $500,000 are available to primary producers impacted by western Queensland floods.
- Upfront payments of 10% (capped at $50,000) will be available to give producers a head start on repairs.
- Producers can start preparing receipts now, as all eligible items purchased to repair event damaged exclusion fencing will be fully reimbursed.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are supporting primary producers impacted by this year's western Queensland flooding, who can now access the Exclusion Fencing Recovery Grants of up to $500,000 to rebuild damaged or destroyed fencing and help contain and protect livestock.
Producers will also be able to apply for an initial payment of up to 10 per cent (capped at $50,000) of assessed eligible estimated costs.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the grants will assist producers with cashflow while undertaking repairs, with the upfront payment assisting with the purchasing of fencing materials or to pay for costs incurred to date.
All eligible costs incurred by applicants to repair exclusion fencing damaged by the event will be eligible for assistance, with the actual costs of works completed at the time of lodgement to be fully reimbursed.
The grants are available to graziers in the following local government areas:
- Balonne Shire Council
- Barcaldine Regional Council
- Barcoo Shire Council
- Blackall Tambo Regional Council
- Boulia Shire Council
- Bulloo Shire Council
- Diamantina Shire Council
- Longreach Regional Council
- Murweh Shire Council
- Paroo Shire Council
- Quilpie Shire Council
- Winton Shire Council
The 10 per cent upfront payment will be paid following the assessment of the application work plan, evidence, and execution of the funding agreement.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said the opening of the program would help western Queensland farmers back on their feet.
"We knew that the costs to on-farm infrastructure from this event were going to be significant, which is why both levels of government committed extraordinary funding for this assistance in the early stages of recovery," Minister McBain said.
"I encourage those graziers who have either already done work to reinstitute their fencing infrastructure to see if they can retrospective claim the costs of work through this program, and those who haven't started yet to apply for this significant grant of up to $500,000."
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the grants would provide critical assistance for Queensland farmers to help them recover from the damage to their properties.
"The Albanese Government is proud to offer this essential support for farmers, station owners and other primary producers who have been particularly impacted by the flooding," Minister Collins said.
"We know farmers want to return to full productivity as soon as possible, and we're working hard to help them do that.
"Our primary producers are the backbone of regional Australia and we're making sure they have the support they need to bounce back stronger from this disaster."
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Exclusion Fencing Recovery Grants would assist in relieving the financial burden on graziers as they focused on recovery and rebuilding.
"Queensland producers have had a challenging few months but our government, in partnership with the Australian Government, is committed to helping them through this period," Minister Perrett said.
"We know how critical exclusion fencing is for our graziers, and these Exclusion Fencing Recovery Grants of up to $500,000 will help keep livestock safe and secure, while safeguarding biosecurity on farms.
"These grants also provide an ideal opportunity for western Queensland producers to build on their knowledge of best practice and mitigate against adverse effects in future events."
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said when it came to rebuilding Western Queensland, the Crisafulli Government was in it for the long haul.
"Exclusion fencing is crucial for Western Queensland communities and industry, and this support will be a big relief for primary producers in the wake of disaster," Minister Leahy said.
"Hundreds of thousands of livestock were lost in these historic floods, and with them thousands of kilometres of vital fencing.
"You can't quantify the hours of work destroyed, and that's why we've delivered these grants."
The maximum grant amount of $500,000 can be used for reinstating and repairing existing exclusion and cluster fencing destroyed or damaged by the flooding event.
Eligible costs covered by the grant include the cost of fencing materials, as well as earthworks to re-establish the fencing, contractor costs and, in certain cases, staff wages.
