Natural disasters often occur when we least expect them. Should you be affected by floods, cyclones, storms or bushfires, relief is at hand from QRAA.

Finance can be obtained for requirements including the following:

• Replanting/restoration/reestablishment of affected areas
• Sustenance
• Essential property operations
• Payment of rent, rates
• Replacement of farm buildings
• Restocking

When can I obtain the assistance?

In the event that a natural disaster occurs, the Minister for Emergency Services will officially make an announcement on the situation in those areas affected. Upon this, assistance under the Natural Disaster Assistance Scheme can be obtained.

Current disaster declarations 

As a result of Queensland Bushfires commencing 22 September 2009, a disaster declaration has been activated.

On Monday 23 October, 2009 the Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services approved a Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement for concessional loans to primary producers and small businesses affected by the Queensland bushfires commencing on 22 September 2009.

Local Government affected areas:

Barcaldine Regional Council, Bundaberg Regional Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Gladstone Regional Council, Gold Coast Regional Council, Gympie Regional Council, Hinchinbrook Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council, Maranoa Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council, Rockhampton Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council, Townsville Regional Council, and Whitsunday Regional Council.

For more information, view the activation summary: 

Activation Summary Bushfires October 23 2009 (705KB)

More disaster declarations  

Information about recent natural disaster events and declarations can be viewed here...

For natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements activated on or after 13 January 2008, the maximum loan amount is $250,000 for any one eligible natural disaster.

For those natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements activated before 13 January 2008, the maximum loan amount for any one natural disaster is

(a) $100,000 for restocking; or
(b) $100,000 for meeting carry-on requirements.

The cumulative total must not be more than $150,000.

Interest Rates

The applicable interest rates for this program depend on whether affected producers are located in a 'declared disaster area' or a 'non-declared area' (applications in a non-declared area will require an IDSP).

1. Declared Disaster Area - Primary producers who are situated in a declared disaster area are eligible for a concessional interest rate loan, with the initial interest rate being 4.0%.
2. Non-declared Area (IDSP) - Primary producers affected by a single isolated natural disaster in a non-declared area can access loans at a current commercial lending rate. In exceptional cases, however, the Board of the QRAA may use their discretion to approve a concessional interest rate (currently 4.0%) for applicants in this category that are considered viable and in desperate circumstances.

Repayment Terms

A maximum repayment term of up to seven years applies for this program.

Fees and Charges

As with all QRAA programs, no establishment, account keeping or early payout fees apply.

Terms and Conditions

Our programs are subject to terms and conditions that identify the required eligibility criteria for each loan. If you are interested in applying for a Natural Disaster Loan, some of the key criteria you will need to meet include:

• Being in working occupation of your property.
• Having used up all liquid assets and normal credit sources to normal credit limits.
• Being considered viable with the assistance provided.
• Having taken reasonable precautions to minimise or prevent the disaster.

For further information regarding the eligibility criteria for Natural Disaster Loans, please contact us on Freecall 1800 623 946 or view the full terms and conditions for Natural Disaster Loans:

Natural Disaster Assistance Guidelines (34KB)
Natural Disaster Assistance Guidelines (86KB)

Completing your Application

To apply for Natural Disaster Assistance as a primary producer, you will need to complete the following application form:

• Natural Disaster Assistance - Producers Application Form (150KB)
  
  Should you have any queries with regards to completing the application form, please contact us on Freecall 1800 623 946.

Further Information

For further information on Natural Disaster Assistance contact QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946 to speak to a representative who will be able to assist you.