CANE growers impacted by tropical cyclone Debbie will receive $25,000 grants following the announcement of Category C disaster recovery assistance for farmers.
CANEGROWERS chief executive officer Dan Galligan said the clean-up and recovery grants would help farmers sort out the damage left by strong winds and flooding across their properties.
“These grants are not compensation for crop losses,” Mr Galligan said. “They are an important hand up to get these businesses back on their feet and contributing to the Queensland economy as quickly as possible.”
Work underway on cane farms through the Proserpine, Mackay, Plane Creek and other areas down to the Gold Coast includes rehabilitating paddocks with washouts.
“Some paddocks have serious erosion,” Mr Galligan said. “And in many cases, crossings need to be rebuilt and there is debris such as huge tree limbs and gravel embedded in the cane.”
The grants can also be used to repair damaged infrastructure such as fencing and repair and recondition essential plant and equipment.
“Obviously there needs to be rules and auditing and I urge growers to take photographs to help document the damage,” Mr Galligan said.
“Applying through QRAA is not an onerous exercise. It involves downloading and filling in a form.
“I urge everyone who has been impacted by cyclone Debbie and is needing to undertake repair and recovery work on their farm to investigate the assistance available.”
More details of what work is eligible and how to claim the clean-up and recovery grant along with the Category B concessional natural disaster loans are available from QRAA or by calling 1800 623 946.
Freight subsidy grants of up to $5000 which can be used for livestock fodder, building and fencing materials and machinery are available from DAF or by calling 13 25 23.
Personal hardship and distress assistance is still available to families (up to $900) and individuals ($400) affected by cyclone Debbie through the Queensland Government or by calling 1800 173 349.
