Farmers, small business and not-for-profit organisations in the Scenic Rim will now have access to low-interest loans to assist with getting operations back to normal.
Many areas in the Scenic Rim have been ravaged by weeks of bushfire, destroying pastures, stock and assets such as fencing.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said loans of up to $250,000 are being made available to those who suffered a direct loss from the fires.
“These loans will our local farmers and primary producers, as well as other businesses and charitable organisations
“This type of support will enable them to get operations underway, returning to some normality without the burden of large overdrafts or high interest debt.” Mr Buchholz said.
“While these fires are not over yet and everyone should remain vigilant, it is important support starts to flow to those who are turning to the rebuilding phase.
“We know that many businesses, even if not directly impacted by the fires rely on the agricultural supply chain and tourism, which of course has eased due to the fires.
“I want to make special mention to all of our rural firefighters, many of them are business owners and farmers themselves – thank you for what you have done and continue to do,” Mr Buchholz said.
State Member for Scenic Rim, Jon Krause welcomed the support for locals that were struggling as a result of the fires.
“We welcome this support from both levels of government and I urge all local farmers, small businesses and community based volunteer organisations to review this support to see how they can best use it.
“Loans of up to $100,000 are also available to those with indirect losses, for example loss of profit.
“While we cannot undo the fire damage, this support is making access to affordable finance easy for those that need it most. ”I urge locals to contact disaster assist on 1800 623 946,” Mr Krause said.
Anyone interested in access support should visit disasterassist.gov.au or call 1800 623 946 to see if they’re eligible.
More information can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
Background:
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Freight subsidies of up to $5,000 for primary producers are also available to assist with recovery, including shipment of materials, fodder and water, as well as the removal of livestock from burnt pastures.
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The assistance has been activated through Category B under the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is based on damage reports collated by Queensland Government agencies and Local Government.
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Primary producers, and small business and not for profit loans: qrida.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 623 946
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Freight subsidies: daf.qld.gov.au or phone the DAF Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23
