Home > National News > Extension of Category C grants deadline following Cyclone Debbie

Extension of Category C grants deadline following Cyclone Debbie

Primary producers and small businesses impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone (STC) Debbie now have until 12 January 2018 to apply for Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) Category C Recovery Grants of up to $25,000.

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the Category C assistance was made available under the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State NDRRA in early April 2017.

“Given the extraordinary nature of STC Debbie, the Commonwealth Category C assistance was activated for affected primary producers in Mackay, Logan, Scenic Rim, and Whitsunday, and parts of Central Highlands, Gold Coast, Isaac, Livingstone, Lockyer Valley, and Woorabinda.

“Category C assistance was also activated for non-profit organisations and small businesses in Whitsunday, and parts of Isaac, Logan, Mackay, and Rockhampton.

“Under the standard arrangements, the original closing date for applications for this assistance was 13 October 2017, and the Commonwealth has agreed to the Queensland Government’s request to extend the deadline to 12 January 2018,” Minister Keenan said.

Queensland Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said he was pleased the Commonwealth Government agreed to the Queensland Government’s request to extend the deadline, as it would be a major boost for primary producers and small businesses in the Category C activated areas.

“We’ve listened to businesses and primary producers who told us they were struggling to finish clean-up activities before the deadline for a variety of reasons,” Minister Ryan said.

“For primary producers, this included a shortage of available contractors or equipment to complete work, insurance delays impacting on what costs will be covered, time constraints due to harvest, and additional damage being found as crops are being harvested.

“Small businesses are focussing on the current tourism season, so are planning on undertaking major repairs after the season closes.

“Since the activation of the grants, 1,210 primary producers, 338 small businesses, and 71 primary producers have received nearly $12 million in assistance.

“We’re still experiencing a high demand of calls and enquiries.”

Minister Ryan said the Queensland Government continued to work hard to support primary producers and businesses affected by STC Debbie.

Primary producers, small business, and non-profit organisations can contact the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on 1800 623 946 if they are unsure if they are within a Category C activated area.

For more information on Category C Recovery Grants, visit the QRIDA website.