Safe Food Production Queensland is sharing this message on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The Queensland Government and industry are working closely to assess impacts of severe storms and rainfall commencing 24 December 2023 in south east Queensland.
Disaster assistance loans are now available for primary producers affected by the impacts. The support is available to producers with businesses located in the local government areas of Logan City, City of Gold Coast, and Scenic Rim.
Financial assistance available
- Disaster assistance loans: Up to $250,000 for producers to repair or replace damaged assets like plant and equipment, to repair premises, or to replace stock and maintain essential property operations. Contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
- Essential working capital loans: Up to $100,000 for producers to allow for the continuation of operations, including paying wages, rents or rates, purchasing items such as fuel, fodder and water, or for the transportation of livestock and produce. Contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
- Freight subsidies: Up to $5,000 for primary producers to assist with movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building or fencing materials. Contact DAF on 13 25 23 or www.daf.qld.gov.au.
Producers who experience losses or damage to their property are encouraged to fill in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Disaster Impact Survey to help the Queensland Government quickly assess the regions for financial recovery assistance.
Producers should keep records of any impacts, including date-stamped photos (which most cameras do automatically). This will inform eligibility for assistance. Producers will need to assess and document damages and losses from this event to submit a claim.
If you have suffered significant damage from the storms outside of the activated area/s, you can apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration.
For information on recovery and assistance, including mental health support for producers, visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/alerts/se-storms-dec-2023