Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud has welcomed much-needed funding for exclusion fending amid Maranoa’s devastating floods.
Mr Littleproud said the Federal and State Governments had answered his request and will now give Maranoa $105 million in funding for exclusion fencing.
“I would like to thank Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli for listening to my calls to emulate what was done in the 2019 northwest Queensland floods, to give this flooding event a western Queensland lens for exclusion fencing,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Maranoa is experiencing unprecedented floods. It’s important western Queensland communities feel supported and are given any help that is available. I am relieved the Federal and State Governments have stepped up and agreed to announce this crucial funding for exclusion fencing.”
Mr Littleproud said exclusion fencing was a vital part of the agriculture industry to enable farmers to rebuild and keep predators such as wild dogs and feral pigs out.
So far, 152,548 livestock have been reported dead or missing; 75,498 cattle, 68,800 sheep, and 8,250 goats, horses and other animals.
7,148 kilometres of private roads and 5,301 kilometres of general fencing have also been impacted.
Mr Littleproud said it’s important local communities know they are not alone and that western Queensland primary producers in the Local Government Areas of Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton also now have access to a $5 million Emergency Fodder Support Package.
On top of that, eligible residents can apply for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) in the Barcoo, Bulloo, Longreach, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton Local Government Areas.
If a person has suffered the most serious impacts including major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of severe weather, they may be eligible for the AGDRP which offers residents $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child.
Residents may also apply for funding;
- If a person lost essential services such as power, gas, water or sewerage for more than 5 days, they may be eligible for the Essential Services Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $150 – $750 depending on household size.
- If a person needs help to cover the costs of emergency essentials like food clothing and medicine, they may be eligible for the Emergency Hardship Assistance: a payment of between $180 – $900 depending on household size.
- If a person lost essential household contents like bed linen or white goods, they may be eligible for the Essential Household Contents Grant: a payment of between $1,765 – $5,300 depending on household size.
- If a person’s home has become structurally unsafe to live in, they may be eligible for the Structural Assistance Grant: uninsured, low income owner occupiers can receive up to $80,000 to help repair home to make it safe, secure and habitable.
Other grants include;
- Up to $75,000 in grants for primary producers.
- Up to $25,000 in grants for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
- A $12 million community relief fund for local councils, for the Local Government Areas of Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton.
For more information go to;
Fodder grants:
Services Australia:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-support?context=60042
