Cotton Australia has welcomed the announcement of Category D assistance – the highest level of relief available for primary producers – for flood-affected areas of Queensland.
The organization anticipates government authorities will also soon announce increased assistance packages for the Toowoomba and Western Downs shire areas.
Under Category D flood relief measures within the Exceptional Disaster Assistance Scheme (EDAS), affected cotton growers can access a loan and grant package of up to $650,000. The first two years of the loan would be interest and repayment-free.
Category D areas also automatically qualify for Category C assistance, which includes emergency cash grants to primary producers of up to $25,000.
“Cotton Australia welcomes the efforts of both the Queensland and Australian Governments in assisting cotton growers hit by recent flooding,” says Cotton Australia Policy Manager for Queensland and Water, Michael Murray.
“Flood relief is essential in helping growers get back to business after severe weather events and supporting rural communities.”
“Cotton Australia is working cooperatively with government authorities at this time of need, and we are hopeful that increased assistance for growers in the Toowoomba and Western Downs shires - which have also been affected by recent weather events - will be announced soon.”
The EDAS is made available under National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements provisions, and will be managed by the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA). The Queensland and Federal Governments share the cost of loans under EDAS.