Cyclone money for cheap freight help
Loans and subsidies have been announced that will keep cyclone-affected Queensland businesses moving.
Federal and state funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) were triggered by Tropical Cyclone Marcia, to allow local businesses to access subsidised freight, among other benefits.
“Many producers throughout the region have suffered damage to their properties as well as stock and fodder losses, so it’s crucial to get them some practical help as quickly as possible,” Federal Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss said.
"The freight subsidies will help producers move livestock, fodder and other necessary items.”
The NDRRA program will also provide low-interest loans and working capital loans in the local government areas of Banana, Livingstone, North Burnett and Rockhampton.
Mr Truss said the working capital loans will help cover the costs of salaries and wages, paying creditors and buying supplies to continue operations.
Federal MP for Capricornia Michelle Landry says the cyclone will have a long-term impact on central Queensland’s agricultural sector.
“When crops are wiped out, farmers lose mature trees that take years to replace. Some of our primary producers are looking at huge losses and a lengthy recovery period, which will obviously have a flow-on effect on local jobs,” Ms Landry said.
More information is available from Federal or Queensland Government sites.