Exceptional Circumstances
Eligible primary producers within Exceptional Circumstance declared areas and surrounding buffer zones, may be eligible for interest subsidies of up to 80% available to a maximum of $100,000 a year on new or existing loans.
On 27 May 2009, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced extensions to some Exceptional Circumstance drought declared areas in Queensland until 15 June 2010. The Minister also announced that due to current drought declared areas showing signs of recovery, extensions would not be granted to other areas.
For further information regarding this announcement, please view the Australian Government press release below:
Exceptional Circumstance drought declared areas
Each Exceptional Circumstance declared area link in the table will take you to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
| Shires and Regional Councils | Exceptional Circumstance Declared Areas | Declared Area Expiry Dates |
| Balonne (part) | Western Downs/Maranoa | 15 June 2010 |
| Barcoo | South West | 15 June 2010 |
| Boulia (part) | Far West | 15 June 2010 |
| Bulloo | South West | 15 June 2010 |
| (Former) Chinchilla Shire | Northern Darling Downs | 15 June 2010 |
| Longreach (part) | South West and Far West | 15 June 2010 |
| (Former) Murilla Shire | Western Downs/Maranoa and Northern Darling Downs | 15 June 2010 |
| Murweh | Western Downs/Maranoa | 15 June 2010 |
| Paroo | South West | 15 June 2010 |
| Quilpie | South West | 15 June 2010 |
| (Former) Tara Shire (part) | Central Darling Downs | 15 June 2010 |
| (Former) Wambo (portion) | Central Darling Downs and Northern Darling Downs | 15 June 2010 |
| Winton (part) | Far West | 15 June 2010 |
What is a 'buffer zone'?
Support may also be available for producers whose properties are located wholly or partly within a specified area of the declared region, known as a buffer zone. If your property is in a buffer zone, then you may be eligible to receive Interest Subsidy support.
What else should I know about this assistance?
It is recommended that you obtain a copy of the Exceptional Circumstances Guidelines (112KB) / Exceptional Circumstances Guidelines (135KB), which will further explain the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions of accessing this assistance. Guidelines which incorporate the changes announced by the Minister on 27 May 2009 are currently being finalised and will be available soon.
When do I need to obtain an Independent Business Assessment?
To be eligible to apply for further interest subsidy support which, if successful, takes the total support that you have received over $300,000 (within a cumulative period of five years), an Independent Business Assessment must be undertaken. Further details about this assessment can be sourced in the Independent Business Fact Sheet (142KB).
How do I apply for the Interest Subsidy?
QRAA requires a completed Application Form to be completed. An Exceptional Circumstances Application Guide is also available to assist you complete this form.
If you have any questions, assistance is available...
Should you have any questions about the support for Exceptional Circumstances, our officers are happy to assist you. Please contact us on Freecall 1800 623 946.