Impacted farmers in the Mareeba Shire local government area now have access to grants of up to $75,000 to assist with their bushfire recovery.
The grants are being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the grants would play an important role in supporting impacted farmers as they rebuild their businesses following last year’s devastating bushfires.
“The Queensland bushfires hit farmers hard last year when they were already vulnerable following years of drought,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Farmers, the staff they employ, and the industries that service them are a significant and important part of regional communities.
“These grants won’t just help the farmers, they will provide a valuable financial boost for communities that are struggling to deal with the economic impacts of the current Coronavirus pandemic.
“We will ensure these impacted communities are not forgotten or left to fend for themselves.”
Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the grants would be a lifeline for farmers who were dealing with the impact of unprecedented bushfires.
“The activation of these DRFA Category C grants ensures the Mareeba community has the support it needs,” Minister Furner said.
“Department of Agriculture and Fisheries staff worked closely with Mareeba primary producers to ensure they were able to access this special disaster assistance.
“The Queensland and Commonwealth governments are committed to working with farmers and supporting them until they are able to get back on their feet.”
Including Mareeba, 13 local government areas have been activated for the Category C primary producer grants including the Bundaberg, Gladstone, Gympie, Ipswich, Livingstone, Lockyer Valley, Noosa, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba local government areas.
For more information on eligibility for loans and grants for primary producers phone the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946.
