Rural Finance Flood Support closing soon

The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is urging primary producers impacted by the October floods to apply for financial support before the deadline on April 30.

Four streams of assistance remain open through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, in a Commonwealth and Victorian Government partnership.

Ms Cleeland said primary producers in all local government areas across the Euroa electorate can apply.

“Many primary producers have been flat out with harvest, clean ups and everyday life. It is important applications are completed before April 30,” Ms Cleeland said.

“There is an array of support on offer, from concessional loans to transport support and clean up grants.

“Even if you are a small-scale primary production enterprise you may be eligible for funding to cover costs associated with your flood recovery.”

Ms Cleeland is encouraging primary producers to get in touch with Rural Finance is they are unsure of what funding they may be eligible for.

“I would advise anyone unsure about their situation to call Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 for a confidential discussion,” Ms Cleeland said.

“We know our ag community is incredibly resilient but there is support on offer and I urge people to apply for assistance if you’ve been impacted.

“The ag sector is the driving force of our regional economies. I hope this financial assistance provides the ability to look to the future with some optimism after an incredibly difficult period.”

Applications for flood recovery support close at 4pm on April 30 for the following grants:

• Victorian Primary Producer Flood Recovery Grant – up to $75,000 to support clean up, relief and recovery efforts;
• Victorian Rural Landholder Grant – up to $25,000 to help rural landholders who have an eligible smaller-scale primary production enterprise with clean-up, relief and recovery efforts;
• Victorian Primary Producer Flood Recovery Transport Support Program – subsidy of up to $15,000 paid at 50 per cent of total costs to pay for the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and moving stock to agistment, sale or slaughter;
• Victorian Primary Producer Flood Recovery Concessional Loan – up to $250,000 in a concessional loan to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred while the clean-up is underway.

More information on financial support can be found at https://www.ruralfinance.com.au/industry-programs/victorian-primary-producer-flood-recovery-package