GRAZIERS interested in QRAA’s drought recovery finance are invited to attend a series of finance workshops across Central West Queensland in the coming weeks.
Together with AgForce, QRAA representatives plan to walk participants through the eligibility requirements and offer advice on how to apply for the Australian Government funded drought concessional and drought recovery concessional loans. Between the two schemes, producers can access up to $2 million.
Bradley Whittington, QRAA’s client liaison officer for the Central Highlands and west, said with more than $36m approved in the region to date, he has seen a multitude of drought assistance applications and could help guide producers through the process.
“All applications for the drought and drought recovery loans call for a drought management plan,” he said.
“In these sessions, we’ll discuss what information goes into a great drought management plan – attendees will be able to go home with the basis of their plan laid out.”
Mr Whittington will be attending the workshops in Barcaldine and Winton, with customer service officer Brian Coe attending in Longreach and Stonehenge.
“The resilience that central west graziers have shown throughout this drought has been nothing short of inspiring, and we’re looking forward to helping them stick out the last of it and bounce back as quickly as possible,” Mr Whittington said.
Following the recent, record-breaking weather, Drought Recovery Concessional Loans are set to be the focus. With a concessional interest rate of just 2.66 per cent, the loans assist with restocking, replanting and building future drought resilience.
Those still in drought are able to apply for Drought Concessional Loans to restructure debt and/or fund operating expenses, or take advantage of Drought Recovery Loans’ pre-approval process – funds can be approved now, to be used when conditions improve sufficiently to enable restocking to occur.
Both loans are available in amounts of up to $1m, based on eligible debt levels.
The drought loan workshops are free of charge and available to attendees of the Pastoral Profit ‘Accessing Finance Options’ events held in Barcaldine (September 19), Winton (September 20), Longreach (September 26) and Stonehenge (September 27). Tickets for the Pastoral Profit sessions are $25 and available through eventbrite.com.au
Drought and drought recovery concessional loans are funded by the Australian Government and administered by QRAA. Applications close on October 31.
