Deadline extended to access bushfire business loans
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Small businesses and primary producers in the state's bushfire-affected communities will now have until 31 December 2011 to apply for concessional loan packages available under the Victorian Government's low interest bushfire loan scheme.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said under the Government's scheme small businesses and primary producers could apply for up to $500,000 in low interest loans to help them recover and rebuild from the devastating 2009 bushfires.
"Due to considerable late interest in the scheme, which had a previous closing date of 30 September, the government has approved the extension to 31 December to ensure people have more time to apply," Mr Ryan said.
"Under the scheme small business operators who lost everything in the 2009 bushfires may be eligible for concessional loans to help restore business operations.
"The loans can be used to help with a range of needs such as to repair or replace damaged buildings or infrastructure, to purchase plant and equipment or to assist primary producers in replacing livestock lost as a result of the bushfires."
Mr Ryan said businesses which had previously received loans under the former government's scheme could also apply to increase their loan.
In June the Government announced it would increase the size of loans available from $200,000 to $500,000 to better reflect the costs involved in re-establishing business operations in bushfire-affected areas.
"Non-property secured loans of up to $50,000 are also available to small businesses at a concessional rate of 3.2 per cent per annum for the first five years to help them recover and rebuild their business sooner," Mr Ryan said.
"This will help small businesses repair or replace damaged plant and equipment, work vehicles, tools of trade or fit-out of retail premises damaged by the bushfire event."
Applications must be received by Rural Finance by Saturday 31 December 2011.
For more information on concessional loans visit www.ruralfinance.com.au or call Rural Finance on 03 5448 2600.
