QRAA heads to Central Highlands/Banana Shire: flood recovery

Primary producers, business owners and non-profit organisations in the Central Highlands region and Banana Shire are invited to meet one-on-one with QRAA’s regional Client Liaison Officer at a temporary QRAA office in Emerald, Rolleston, Biloela and Theodore from 22 – 25 November.

QRAA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tony O’Dea said that QRAA is actively assisting primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations with much needed financial assistance following the devastating floods.
 
“QRAA has approved more than $12 million in disaster recovery assistance to primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations in the Central Highlands region and over $12 million in the Banana Shire since November 2010,” Mr O’Dea said.

Mr O’Dea said QRAA understands that many Queenslanders are still battling the devastating impacts of disaster events and encouraged those directly affected by the Queensland Floods (November 2010 – January 2011) to make a booking to discuss their individual situation with QRAA.

“Our Client Liaison Officer, Brendan Hamilton is coming to the Central Highlands and Banana Shire to discuss assistance available, eligibility requirements and the application process.”

Eligible applicants now have until 31 January 2012 to apply for the following flood recovery assistance:

• Special Disaster Assistance grants up to $25,000 to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations to pay for clean up and restoration costs arising out of direct damage caused by the floods.
• Low interest loans up to $250,000 for primary producers and small businesses and up to $105,000 for non-profit organisations, to assist with re-establishing normal enterprise operations following the flooding.
• Exceptional Disaster Assistance loan/grant package up to $650,000 (including a grant up to $50,000) may be available for primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations who have suffered direct extreme damage.

A meeting with QRAA’s Client Liaison Officer will provide an opportunity to discuss all assistance available through QRAA.  This includes:

• First Start Loans up to $650,000 for applicants wishing to enter primary production
• Sustainability Loans up to $650,000 for primary producers wishing to further enhance their long-term enterprise productivity

To make a personal appointment with QRAA’s Client Liaison Officer at any of the upcoming temporary offices please contact QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946. 

QRAA temporary office details: