Northern and Central Queensland primary producer grants now open for flood and monsoon recovery

JOINT STATEMENT

Northern and Central Queensland primary producers directly impacted by the monsoon and flooding event from 20 December 2022 to 30 April 2023 can now apply for new co-contribution grants of up to $150,000.

The grants can help with the costs of restocking livestock and rebuilding or restoring on-farm infrastructure that was lost or damaged - and help producers better prepare for future events.

The Albanese and Miles Governments are jointly providing $5million through the North Queensland Restocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grants for eligible primary producers in the local government areas of Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington, and Mount Isa.

The grants are being delivered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), with applications now open at qrida.qld.gov.au Applications will remain open until 30 June 2025 or until the available funding is distributed.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister:

"We know this event has had a long-term impact on farmers and communities in Northern and Central Queensland.

"This grants program will provide primary producers with the financial support to restore infrastructure and restock livestock, helping them to recover from the social and economic impacts of these significant flooding events.

"We remain committed to supporting farming communities improve their resilience and prepare for future disasters."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

"We thank the Australian Government for working with the Queensland Government to deliver additional financial assistance to primary producers who have lost livestock or on-farm infrastructure as a direct result of this disaster.

"The North Queensland Restocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grants can be used for a range of eligible activities including restoring damaged yards and paddocks and replacing lost livestock and fencing.

"I would strongly encourage any eligible primary producers who have been impacted by this monsoon and flooding event to apply for these new grants."

Quotes attributable to QRIDA Disaster and Drought Manager Sheree Finney:

"I encourage impacted primary producers in these eligible local government areas to visit the QRIDA website for more information on this new grant including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

"Producers can also call on our Freecall 1800 623 946 to speak to one of the QRIDA team or to connect with our North West and Gulf Regional Area Manager, Sam Fryer, to discuss your individual circumstances.

"Primary producers could also use a Disaster Assistance Loan up to $250,000 to as the co-contribution finance required for this grant.

"There's plenty of time to apply with grant applications open until 30 June 2025 or until the available $5 million is distributed."

Further information:

• To be eligible for the new scheme, primary producers must have received an Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant for the Northern and Central Queensland monsoon and flooding event prior to applying for a North Queensland Restocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grant. They must match grant funding with an equal co-contribution.
• The North Queensland Re-Stocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grants are available in addition to the financial assistance already delivered under the joint Australian and Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements schemes including Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants up to $75,000 (closed) and Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 (open until 31 December 2024).

ENDS

Media contacts:

Minister McAllister's office: Isabella Wang 0403 114 350

Minister Furner's office: Bryce Heaton 0427 781 920