Media Releases
12 November 2009 - QRAA Board tours Kingaroy, Murgon and Tin Can Bay
The QRAA Board will take to the roads of regional Queensland from 17-19 November when they visit customer properties in Kingaroy, Murgon and Tin Can Bay as part of the Board’s end of year regional tour to see firsthand how the financial support from QRAA has assisted producers and fishers to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their enterprises.
QRAA Chief Executive Officer, Colin Holden said the visit to the region will incorporate the monthly QRAA Board meeting and highlights the Board’s ongoing commitment to its rural and regional customers.
“The aim of the visit is to ensure QRAA Board members continue to be informed of the current conditions and changing needs of our rural and regional customers,” Mr Holden said.
Scheduled visits will take place at a piggery, cattle and stockhorse training farm, and a peanut farm within the Kingaroy and Murgon regions, as well as a commercial fisher operating out of Tin Can Bay. Customers have all accessed financial assistance to help recover from extreme climatic conditions including drought, purchase property, or improve the long time viability of their operations.
“Property owners have used finance from QRAA’s Productivity Loans, which includes Development, First Start and Resource Management Loans up to $500,000,” Mr Holden said.
“Development Loans have been used to construct effluent disposal systems, increase water storage units, make vessel improvements, install fences, and for major infrastructure renovations.
“Many producers in the region have also received Exceptional Circumstance interest subsidy from QRAA and the Board will observe how this support has assisted producers to implement recovery activities on their enterprises following the previously dry conditions.”
Mr Holden said QRAA prides itself on its ability to offer rural Queensland the highest standard of personalised service and has Client Liaison Officers based in Bundaberg, Innisfail, Kingaroy, Longreach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Roma and Toowoomba.
“Our Kingaroy and Bundaberg Client Liaison Officers, Jim Mackson and Mark Barrett are available to assist customers in the Kingaroy and Tin Can Bay region with their applications and provide support and information about QRAA’s programs and services,” Mr Holden said.
“This personalised service is leading to a better understanding of QRAA’s assistance programs and services, with more people aware of our low interest rate of 4.23% fixed for one year, 5.09% fixed for three years and 5.79% fixed for five years and no fees and charges.”
For further information about QRAA’s Board visit to the Central Queensland and Northern Burnett regions, or for details on the QRAA’s range of programs and services, please contact Freecall 1800 623 946 or visit www.qraa.qld.gov.au.
Kingaroy Client Liaison Officer Bundaberg Client Liaison Officer
Jim Mackson Mark Barrett
Phone: (07) 4160 0716 Phone: (07) 4154 2874
Mobile: 0417 778 317 Mobile: 0417 775 547
Email: jim.mackson@qraa.qld.gov.au Email: mark.barrett@qraa.qld.gov.au
For Media Enquiries: Date: 12 November 2009
Contact QRAA - CEO Colin Holden
Phone number: (07) 3032 0122