COMMONWEALTH EXTENDS ASSISTANCE FOR QUEENSLAND FLOOD VICTIMS
5 March 2010
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide additional financial assistance to Queensland communities affected by heavy rainfall and associated flooding.
Commonwealth assistance is being provided to Queensland through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and now applies to 57 Local Government Areas throughout the State.
Additional financial assistance will be provided to affected small businesses and primary producers in 10 local government areas: Balonne, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Bulloo, Diamantina, Maranoa, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Western Downs.
Funding will include:
- Concessional loans of up to $250,000 to eligible small businesses and primary producers. Enquiries should be directed to the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority on 1800 623 946; and
- Freight subsidies of up to $5,000 to assist with the cost of transporting livestock, fodder, fencing or machinery. Enquiries should be made to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 132 523.
In addition, residents in the Balonne, Murweh, Maranoa, Quilpie and Western Downs areas impacted by recent flooding will also be eligible for personal hardship and distress assistance including:
- Emergency Assistance Payments of $170 per person and up to $780 per family;
- Essential Household Contents Grants of $1,660 per person and up to $4,980 per couple or family; and
- Essential Repairs to Housing Grants of up to $10,250 per person and up to $13,800 per couple or family.
Individuals requiring assistance should contact the Department of Communities Disaster Relief Assistance Scheme hotline on 1800 173 349.
The Commonwealth, through Emergency Management Australia, will continue to work closely with Queensland authorities, local government and community organisations to ensure that affected communities have all the support they need during this difficult period.
Media Contact: Adam Siddique (McClelland) 0407 473 630
