More flood recovery funding needed: impacted Goondiwindi region producers asked to contact DAF

Goondiwindi Regional Council is asking flood-impacted producers to get in touch with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to advocate for more flood recovery funding for the region ASAP.

Texas residents impacted by the recent flooding had the opportunity to demonstrate just some of the widespread agricultural damage to the Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner first-hand during a visit to the town yesterday.

Council is now encouraging other affected residents across the region to contact Andrew Voight from the DAF on 0467 801186. Mr Voight is collating information pertaining to damage, which will be presented to the Minister to strengthen the case for recovery funding. Residents should reference their location, types of produce affected, the extent of the damage, and the short- and long-term results such as a downturn in production or cash flow implications.

The Minister and the Director-General for the DAF Bob Gee, as well as several Councillors and senior Council officers met with producers to inspect some of the damage to property, crops and livestock in the Texas area. Cr Kelly, who holds Council’s Portfolio for Rural Services, said hundreds of hectares around Texas in particular had been severely damaged during the flood, affecting cotton crops, mung beans and sorghum but also millet, pumpkins and peanuts.

“My fellow Councillors and I, as well as Minister Furner and Mr Gee, had the opportunity to witness first-hand just some of the destruction left behind by the receding flood waters,” Cr Kelly said. “From channel erosion along gully beds, fencing and irrigation infrastructure damage through to devastating crop and livestock loss, the damage is extensive. These landowners have gone through the devastation of long-term drought and are now faced with crippling flood recovery – with some also having to overcome recent hail damage.

“The Minister and his team gained a better appreciation of the extent of the damage suffered by landholders across several properties, and along with our Council team, saw the pain it brings to the landowners. Being battered by flood after years of being battered by drought is immensely difficult for these people and we will advocate for them with the hope that disaster funding becomes available,” Cr Kelly said.

“Council is already advocating for Goondiwindi region communities to receive the same amount of aid as over the border in New South Wales. But in order to qualify for the next level of funding, we need more evidence of damage and are asking our local producers to make contact ASAP. We are hoping that then the Minister will announce funding for primary producers for clean-up and recovery to help alleviate the burden and provide financial support to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Cr Kelly said.

Goondiwindi region producers may already be eligible for some disaster recovery funding through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and are encouraged to apply.

Through the DRFA, Goondiwindi region primary producers may be able to access concessional loans of up $250,000 to repair or replace flood-damages assets, and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000. Freight subsidies of $5000 will also be available to help with the costs of moving stock and farm equipment.

• Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au
• For more information on loans for primary producers visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or free call 1800 623 946, and for information on freight subsidies visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or contact the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.