Federal Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says the Government is providing an additional $100 million for primary producers worst-hit by bushfires.
Farm, fish and forestry businesses will now be able to apply for up to $75,000 in grants to help pay for essentials like fodder and water or rebuilding fences and horticultural netting.
“I am pleased the Federal Government has elevated its support to bushfire-affected primary producers as they really need our help to rebuild after these devastating bushfires,” he said.
“This new funding, combined with the $15,000 grants for farmers announced back in November, brings the total the Federal Government is distributing to eligible producers to $90,000, an amount I think will start to make a difference to each property’s recovery.
“It can be used to pay for a raft of recovery actions like rebuilding property infrastructure not covered by existing insurance policies, veterinary fees and waste disposal.
“I would like to thank Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie for this initial funding commitment and the NSW Government for agreeing to administer it.”
Further details of exactly how this new $100 million funding will be administered will be made in coming days. It will be administered by the State Government through the existing Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and forms part of the $2 billion commitment the Government has made to help communities start to recover from the bushfires.
Importantly, the definition of primary producer under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements has been extended so producers like beekeepers and private foresters will be eligible to apply.
This further $100 million assistance follows an announcement of $50 million for national wildlife recovery and environmental rehabilitation.
For more information on the Federal Government Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants Program call 1800 900 090.
