FUNDING AVAILABLE TO HELP FARMERS RECOVER FROM DISASTER

Farm, fish and forestry businesses in areas affected by bushfire will be able to apply for an initial $100 million in emergency bushfire funding.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Federal Government would provide grants up to $75,000 for farming businesses to help recover from the disaster.

“Farmers have been adversely affected by these terrible fires and these grants will go a long way to help them back on the road to recovery,” Mr McCormack said.

“We know more will need to be done to assist the recovery efforts in the months and years ahead, particularly in those hardest hit by bushfires, but this initial funding injection can be used for measures including setting up generators on a property where there is no electricity or to assist with immediate labour needs such as putting up fencing.

“The Government is committed to ensuring our farmers have everything they need to get their properties and livelihoods back to normal so they can get back to producing the very best food and fibre for our nation.

“Many people are doing it tough at the moment and I want those affected by the bushfires to know the Government has their back.”

Farmers who have been tackling the drought and have off-farm income won’t be disadvantaged; the same off-farm income rules for Farm Household Allowance will apply. This means farmers who aren’t eligible for Category C payments due to off-farm income rules will still be eligible for up to $75,000 to help them normalise their farm businesses as quickly as possible.

Funding will be available through the Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants Program.

This assistance will be provided through a joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement between states and territories and the Commonwealth Government.

Further details will be announced as soon as state-based delivery arrangements are confirmed.

This tranche of funding is part of the $2 billion commitment from the Federal Government to address the impact of the bushfires.

For more information on the Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants Program please contact 1800 900 090.