Disaster Relief Update & Succession Planning

20-Apr-2017

Cyclone Debbie: Financial Assistance Available

Due to Tropical Cyclone Debbie and the resultant damage caused, the Government has made a number of grants and funding options available for individuals, small businesses and primary producers. Flor-Hanly has compiled a shortlist of these grants and links to the Government websites for your convenience. Please peruse through the information below and contact the office on (07) 4963 4800 if you need any assistance with the application process.

Individuals

• Immediate Hardship Assistance: If you reside in the affected shire council areas, you can claim immediate hardship assistance which is not asset tested. If deemed eligible, applicants may receive $180 per person and up to $900 for a family of five or more.
• Essential Household Contents Grants: If you are not insured or under-insured and your home and/or essential contents (e.g. white goods) have been damaged. Grants of up to $1,765 for single adults and up to $5,300 for couples/families are available.
• Structural Assistance Grant: If you are uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, this grant can assist with a one off payment as a contribution towards repairs to your home to make it secure and safe. Grants of up to $10,995 for single adults and up to $14,685 for couples/families are available.

Website link: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/current-disasters/

Small Business Entities & Primary Producers

QRAA has made available disaster assistance loans for small businesses and primary producers.  A low interest loan of up to $250,000 can assist you by covering costs such as:

• Repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment
• Repairing or replacing buildings
• Supplying stock for up to one month to replace lost stock
• Fodder
• Rates and land rent

Producers also have access to freight subsidies of up to $5,000 per property.

Useful website links:

• http://www.farmerdisastersupport.org.au/home/cyclone-debbie-support/ Note: “Category C Assistance” is likely to be available soon which provides a once off $10,000 grant to primary producers & small businesses.
• http://www.qraa.qld.gov.au
• https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/protecting-business/disaster-resilience/assistance

Primary Producers: Succession Grant

QRAA has just launched grants to subsidise primary producers with their succession planning costs.

Up to 50% of the fees paid to a professional accountant, financial planner, or solicitor can be covered by the grant, with a cap of $2,500 per year per applicant.

Website link: http://www.qraa.qld.gov.au/current-programs/farm-management-grants

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