Support for farmers and small businesses impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper

20 December 2023

The Albanese and Miles Governments have announced further assistance for Far North Queenslanders impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said he was pleased that primary producers would get extra support.

"In order to get Far North Queensland back on its feet as quickly as possible, we're rolling out support as fast as the extent of the damage can be identified," Minister Watt said.

Minister Watt said freight subsidies were being made available to primary producers in some of the hardest hit areas to alleviate the costs of moving stock and operating materials. 

"Hinchinbrook Shire Council can now also access funding to help with emergency repairs to roads and bridges which will help with response and reconstruction efforts," Minister Watt said.

"This support has also been activated for Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook Shire, Douglas Shire, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wajul Wajul and Yarrabah in recent days."

Disaster Assistance and Essential Working Capital Loans are also now available to affected primary producers, small businesses, and non-profit organisations to assist with the repair and recovery of essential equipment, and for loss of income.

Assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA).

This is in addition to the personal hardship grants and other assistance previously announced, with ten local government areas now receiving DFRA support in response to ex-TC Jasper, 

Minister responsible for Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd said getting reconnected and back to work provides a big step forward.

"I urge anyone eligible for disaster loans or other activated assistance measures to apply now, with the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline (1800 173 349) available around the clock for questions on eligibility and how to apply." 

Disaster Assistance Loans 

Up to $250,000 for producers and small businesses and $100,000 for non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged assets like plant and equipment, to repair premises, or to replace stock and maintain liquidity.

Contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or visit our disaster recovery page.

Essential Working Capital Loans

Up to $100,000 for producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations to allow for the continuation of operations, including paying wages, rents or rates, purchasing items such as fuel, fodder and water, or for the transportation of livestock and produce.

Contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or visit our disaster recovery page.

Freight subsidies 

Up to $5,000 for primary producers to assist with the movement of stock, feed, machinery, fuel, water, and building or fencing materials.

Contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or visit their website.

Local Government Area (LGA) Eligibility 

• Primary producer loans: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Tablelands

• Small business loans: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah

• Non-profit organisation loans: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah

• Freight subsidies: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Tablelands

DRFA funding for ex-TC Jasper is currently available to Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hinchinbrook, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah LGAs.  

More on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist page or the Queensland Government's Disaster support and recovery page.