Extraordinary disaster assistance recovery grants of up to $50,000, as well as low-interest loans of up to $250,000 are now available for eligible primary producers in the Somerset region to assist with recovery from the floods that hit Southern, Central and Western Queensland in November and December 2021.
Areas of Somerset affected include the Upper Brisbane and Stanley River Valleys and areas north of Jimna.
Local region Senator Paul Scarr said the financial assistance was being jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Senator Scarr said assistance was also extended to North Burnett, Gympie and Bundaberg to help councils and state agencies with the costs of clean-up and damage repairs associated with the floods.
“Primary producers in Somerset suffered damage to crops, fencing and infrastructure, so it’s crucial we help these hard-working farmers with their recovery process,” Senator Scarr said.
“In addition to the incredibly heavy rainfall the area experienced in such a short time, significant riverine flooding has hit many places hard.
“With many roads flooded or damaged by floodwaters across Bundaberg, Gympie and North Burnett, it’s imperative disaster assistance is available to repair the damage in these regions.”
Senator Scarr said as more councils come forward with reports of damage from last year, that are now compounded by the most recent floods, the Federal and Queensland governments were working together to ascertain what assistance was needed and where.
“I’m pleased to also announce freight subsidies of up to $5,000 are available to help these producers overcome these difficulties and send their crops and stock to market,” Senator Scarr said.
“These grants, loans and freight subsidies are helping communities get supply chains moving again.”
Senator Scarr said the Morrison Coalition Government was committed to helping communities get back on their feet following natural disasters.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Federal Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the QRA’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au
Media contact:
Office of Senator Scarr – Bruce Mills 0408 713 610
