15 June 2009
DAFF09/277BJ

Joint Media Release

Attorney-General - Robert McClelland
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Tony Burke

Attorney General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, today announced further assistance for small businesses and primary producers affected by the February floods in Queensland.

Recovery grants of up to $15,000 will be provided to eligible small businesses and primary producers to assist in clean-up and restoration activities.

The move follows a recent request from the Queensland Government for further assistance.

“Natural disasters disrupt communities for long periods of time after the initial devastation.  In recognition of this, the Rudd Government will continue to provide assistance to help affected communities recover,” Mr McClelland said.

The Small Business and Primary Producers grants are components of the Community Recovery Package under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

The grants will be jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments.

“It takes a long time for farmers to get back on their feet after such a major flood event, with damage to fencing and crops and stock losses,” Mr Burke said.

“Agriculture is a major part of the regional economy, supporting jobs including on-farm, truck drivers, saleyards and equipment suppliers.”

In addition to the small business and primary producer grants, the Commonwealth is already providing significant assistance to affected communities, including:

• personal hardship and distress grants to low-income earners whose principal place of residence has been damaged;
• concessional loans to small businesses and primary producers;
• concessional loans for the restoration of essential facilities; and
• road and rail freight subsidies to assist primary producers for the carriage of livestock and fodder.