South East Queensland primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations impacted by rainfall and flooding between February and April this year have more time to apply for an Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant, with the deadline extended to 10 March 2023.
Up to $75,000 is available for primary producers and $50,000 for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations impacted by the South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding Event between 22 February and 5 April 2022.
Designed to assist with the costs of clean-up and reinstatement, the grants are jointly-funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the extension was important to ensure every eligible Queenslander had access to the support they need as they continue to recover.
"We've extended the application date because we recognise the severe and ongoing challenges of recent weather events, and the lack of contractor availability to carry out works, has made it difficult for some people to apply," Minister Watt said.
"We want to make sure nobody is left behind and finalising a grant application is not necessarily front-of-mind after a disaster.
"We won't rush people already facing significant challenges as they undergo a lengthy recovery process."
Queensland Acting Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Scott Stewart said the date extension was informed by feedback from communities.
"From ongoing wet weather, to the availability of contractors and supplies, there are a number of factors contributing to the recovery constraints we're seeing on the ground," Mr Stewart said.
"By extending these grant submission dates we hope to alleviate these pressures and allow anyone affected to apply for funding support.
"We have always said we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with communities as they recover from these flooding events, and we continue to do so.
"We want to see all impacted Queenslanders back on their feet."
