CYCLONE ASSISTANCE WELCOME – BUT DON’T FORGET THE FLOODS

THE Queensland Farmers’ Federation is frustrated that the Federal government has finally escalated natural disaster assistances for the Tropical Cyclone Yasi impacted regions, but only partially and two weeks after the Category 5 Cyclone crossed the Queensland coast.

Earlier today, the acting Prime Minister announced Category D Assistance for two-and-a-half shires in Far North Queensland. This assistance will include increased concessional loans up to $650,000 with a grant component up to $50,000. Category C Assistance has been granted for eight of 12 shires in FNQ that were granted Category B assistance eight days ago.

“Industry and community groups have been advising governments to implement extra programs to speed up the recovery in flood, storm and cyclone impacted regions, yet all that has been announced today is limited Category D assistance for just two shires and one part shire,” QFF CEO Dan Galligan said.

“The government has recognised the scale of the disaster and that there are areas that need additional assistance. Some of these farmers have been hit with two major cyclones within five years, so this assistance is necessary to repair their businesses and for the economic recovery in the local area.

“But there will be farmers across the rest of Queensland that would view today’s announcement with frustration and confusion.”

Mr Galligan said many other farms and communities had been just as badly impacted by natural disaster this summer, equally as bad as Cyclone Yasi.

“Theodore in Central Queensland is just one example. Farmers there have lost cotton crops to flood two seasons in a row and extensive infrastructure and farm production systems must be replaced.

“We need to get these farmers back on their feet so these rural communities can recover as quickly as possible.

“These communities have been smashed with disaster as badly as Tully and Innisfail have. Are they being told that their disaster isn’t bad enough?

“It is inequitable and is an ad hoc approach at a time when we need clear decisions from government. Unless there is another announcement pending for flood affected areas, this is failing to recognise the full impact of the flood.

“At the end of the day, governments need to focus on agricultural and community recovery across the State, for all areas impacted by these disasters.”