Disaster assistance deadline extension welcome news

THE Queensland Farmers’ Federation said today that the extended deadline for farmers seeking disaster assistance from last summer’s floods and cyclones would be welcome news in rural communities.

The State Government announced today that it was extending the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) assistance measures, which includes grants and concessional loans, to June 30 2012. The cut off had previously been January 31.

QFF CEO Dan Galligan said the sheer scale of the destruction wrought by Cyclone Yasi and the floods meant that the recovery was long and ongoing for many farmers.

“This deadline extension will ensure the NDRRA grants and loans are rolled out to their full extent across Queensland and that they are accessed by all eligible primary producers and small businesses,” Mr Galligan.

“This assistance consequently supports regional communities, the economy, and employment. Agriculture is the backbone of many Queensland communities, and these measures are important for ensuring that remains the case.

“We urge farmers to act quickly on getting access to this assistance if they haven’t already done so. It’s not something to be left to the last minute.

“In Far North Queensland areas impacted by Yasi, farmers can contact Industry Recovery Officers for assistance. In flooded areas, farmers can contact their industry organisation for guidance.”