Recovery grants being offered to Queensland growers will rise from A$25,000 to A$75,000, after recent flooding decimated crops in northern parts of the state.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
“Widespread flooding in Queensland has had an enormous impact on already struggling farmers, flattening crops and devastating livestock,” Morrison said.
“The money is available to farmers in nine local shires, and can be used for things like the hiring and leasing of equipment, purchasing fodder, salvaging feed or crops and repairing essential plant and equipment.”
While the full extent of the flood damage is not yet known, reports of significant crop and property damage have emerged in areas such as Rollingstone, Home Hill,Giru, Inkerman and Bowen.
Growcom, a representative body for horticulture in Queensland, said its members were also reporting issues with soilerosion andloss of top soil, meaning new-season planting may be delayed in some areas.
Growcomwill continue to work with affected growers this week to develop preliminary impact assessments in order to brief the state’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
“We understand the recovery process can be a long one and our thoughts are with everyone impacted,” said GrowcomCEO, David Thomson.
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