THE seven prawn farmers disrupted by White Spot Disease in the Logan and Albert River catchments whose operations have been disrupted by White Spot Disease can now apply for up to $3 million in low interest finance to aid their recovery.
The low-interest loans are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA). The current interest rate ranges from 3.02 per cent to 3.44pc per cent.
QRIDA customer relations manager Craig Turner said prawn farmers in the catchments who had been directly impacted by the disease should contact the authority on 1800 623 946 to receive full details of the assistance available.
“QRIDA representatives will attend the upcoming Australian Prawn Farmers Association Symposium at the Gold Coast on August 1-2 to discuss finance options available for Queensland prawn farmers,” he said.
“Staff will be on hand to speak directly with prawn farmers about the White Spot Disease Concessional Loans, as well as our low interest Sustainability and First Start Loans which can also assist those in the aquaculture industry,” Mr Turner said.
White Spot Disease Concessional Loans are available up to $3 million, attract loan terms of up to 20 years, have no fees or charges and low interest rates fixed for one year, three years or five years.
Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne said the low interest loans were designed to enable the prawn farmers to improve biosecurity controls, diversify their farming to include other marine species and improve the productivity and viability of their enterprises.
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