ANTHONY ALBANESE MP
PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

SENATOR JENNY McALLISTER
MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Eligible primary producers, impacted by the flooding in Western Queensland will be further supported by a significant package from the Australian and Queensland Governments.

The extraordinary assistance package is the next round in assistance to support farmers, station owners and other primary producers who have been particularly impacted by the unprecedented flooding.

The package includes:

• A $105 million Exclusion Fence Restitution Fund to support the reconstruction of exclusion fencing after widespread damage, helping primary producers protect livestock from invasive species as soon as possible.
• Up to $7 million will be added to the Emergency Fodder Support package now totalling up to $12 million, to further support primary producers to sustain livestock and mitigate the impacts of flooding.

The Australian and Queensland Government are also increasing the amount of the Disaster Assistance Loans from $250,000 to $5 million to support larger scale primary producers who have incurred high levels of livestock loss and infrastructure damage.

Primary producers in the LGAs of Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton will be able to access the Exclusion Fence Restitution Fund.

This package is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

'At the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character.

“My Government has been working with the Queensland Government to activate assistance and provide support.
“We are committed to helping western Queensland farmers and communities through this.” 

“We’ve got their backs and will make whatever resources are required available.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister

“Farmers grow our crops and raise our livestock. They are an integral part of western Queensland communities.

“We know the impact that the floods have had on farmers and graziers and we’re working closely with the Queensland Government to support them during this difficult time.

“Today’s assistance will help primary producers repair damage quicker and get back on their feet.”