Extraordinary assistance grants of up to $50,000 are now available for primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations affected by the recent floods in the Wide Bay-Burnett region to help communities get back on their feet.

The grants are jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will be available to eligible applicants in the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett local government areas.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the activation of extraordinary grant assistance under the DRFA was imperative to allow primary producers, small business owners and non-profit organisations to help overcome the damage done.

“Primary producers have had their crops wiped out, infrastructure damaged or destroyed and lost livestock as a result of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth,” Mr Pitt said.

“Agriculture is a major industry in the Wide Bay-Burnett region and the flood has impacted many sectors, so these extraordinary assistance grants of $50,000 will be a welcome boost to help primary producers get back on their feet.

“Primary producers and small businesses are an important part of regional communities, so it is imperative we support them in crisis and give them the help they need.”

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the QRA’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au