Financial help at hand for farmers and small biz owners

APRIL 3, 2017: A NUMBER of assistance measures have been made available for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations following Cyclone Debbie, and the assessment of the impact is still ongoing.Small business owners, primary producers and those operating non-profit organisations in both the Mackay and Whitsunday local government areas are eligible for concessional interest rates loans for direct damage of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged plant, equipment and buildings as well as replace stock.These are offered at an interest rate of 1.16% and no other fees apply.There are also Essential Working Capital Loans of up to $100,000 available for small businesses (including non-profit organisations) and primary producers who have suffered a significant loss of income as a consequence of Cyclone Debbie.This can help businesses continue operations for the next 12 months, or until the next major income is received, to cover:

• salaries and wages
• paying creditors
• paying rent or rates
• procuring fodder or water for livestock or produce (primary producers)
• procuring alternative logistics solutions, such as transportation of livestock or produce (primary producers)
• fuel and other supplies essential to the business.

There are also grants for non-profit organisations of up to a maximum of $5,000 to assist with recovery from the disaster, for example repairing or replacing damaged plant, equipment and buildings, and supplying stock for up to a month.I would encourage all small business owners, all primary producers and those who run non-profit organisations to read up on the information available and check your eligibility.Further information on concessional loans is available on the QRAA website at www.qraa.qld.gov.au and you can phone 1800 623 946 with queries.Freight subsidies are also available for primary producers.Subsidies of up to $5,000 are on offer to assist with the movement of emergency fodder for livestock, building or fencing materials, machinery or equipment, fuel, animals purchased for restocking and transport of produce to market.Find out more about freight subsidies on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website at www.daf.qld.gov.auThis assistance is being made available under the jointly funded Natural Disaster Recovery and Relief Arrangements (NDRRA) Category B.