QUEENSLAND graziers and small business owners affected by the devastating fires at the end of 2012 are eligible for rent relief.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps last week announced the deferral of leasehold rents, which could help up to 80 landholders across the Etheridge and Tableland shires.
Anyone whose property has sustained damage due to fire can apply to have their full 2012/13 rent deferred, with repayments subject to an interest rate of two per cent.
The rent deferrals are in addition to the Part B Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements activated for the two council areas, where much grazing land was lost.
Concessional loans and fodder and freight subsidies are also available to affected producers.
"My concern is that many agricultural businesses will be without income and facing significant recovery costs for some time," Mr Cripps said.
"Property owners in these declared local government areas are encouraged to make an application to the department to have their next leasehold rental payment deferred to assist in their financial recovery.
"I'd like to reassure landholders whose leases are due for renewal shortly that they may be eligible for short-term lease extensions to allow time for recovery before land assessments are completed by departmental officers."
As part of bushfire clean-up, residents are reminded that several clearing activities can occur without the need for a permit.
This includes the clearing of vegetation killed by fire and removal of vegetation that poses an imminent risk of serious personal injury or damage to infrastructure.
Vegetation clearing to maintain fire-affected infrastructure such as pipes, roads or fences can be undertaken, as well as vegetation clearing to maintain existing firebreaks.
