Help for disaster affected Queenslanders now available through QRAA

Turf Queensland has already provided information on available assistance to those directly affected by the unusual rain events of the past six months. QRAA have released the following information and Turf Queensland has passed this on for the benefit and information purposes of our turf producer members in this state.

Primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations directly affected by Tropical Cyclone Oswald and Associated Rainfall and Flooding, 21 – 29 January 2013, may be eligible for disaster assistance through QRAA.

Assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth/Queensland Government Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) includes:

1.      Special Disaster Assistance grants up to $25,000 (primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations)

2.      Natural Disaster Assistance loans up to $250,000 (primary producers and small businesses)

3.      Exceptional Disaster Assistance loan and grant packages up to $650,000 (primary producers and businesses)

An initial concessional interest rate of 1.7% applies to all disaster events activated from 1 July 2012 and there are no fees and charges for the life of the loan.

The assistance provides funds for clean-up and restoration costs arising out of direct damage and for re-establishing normal enterprise operations following the disaster.

QRAA Chief Executive Officer Colin Holden says many Queenslanders have already received financial assistance to get their businesses back up and running.

“As at 28 March 2013, QRAA had approved more than $8 million in disaster assistance to primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations throughout the state,” Mr Holden said.

“We will continue to deliver financial assistance as quickly as possible to provide timely support for flood affected communities across Queensland.

“I urge those who have been directly impacted by this disaster event to contact QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946 to discuss your individual situation.”

For more information including eligibility criteria contact QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au.

Disaster assistance available now Grants up to $25,000 Low interest loans up to $250,000 Loan / grant packages up to $650,000

Assistance is subject to terms and conditions, please refer to the program guidelines for information on eligibility.

HOW TO APPLY

Application forms and guidelines are available at www.qraa.qld. gov.au or by contacting us on Freecall 1800 623 946.

NB: To assist with the application process please take photographs of the damage and retain copies of invoices, receipts, cost estimates and quotes.

If you are unable to pay for clean-up and restoration costs you may be eligible to apply for Special Disaster Assistance under financial hardship whereby QRAA will make payments direct to suppliers or contractors.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP

To access financial hardship you must hold a current health care card or provide a financial hardship certificate from a suitably qualified person (e.g. accountant). The financial hardship certificate must state that the amount claimed in the application cannot be paid because of financial hardship and that continuation of the primary production enterprise or small business is in doubt because the amount claimed cannot be paid.

Common Recovery Activities

Conducting immediate clean up of business premises and property

• Engaging contractors to assist with early clean up

• Repairing buildings, irrigation infrastructure and farm sheds

• Repairing essential plant and equipment

• Repairing farm infrastructure including fencing, dams, internal roadways

• Repairing or replacing, office furniture and equipment

• Replacing lost livestock (loans only)

• Maintaining livestock health

• Replacing stock and temporary business relocation (small business)

NB: Assistance is not intended to compensate for loss of business income.

For further information please consult the Special Disaster Assistance Scheme guidelines at www.qraa.qld.gov.au or Freecall 1800 623 946