Deadline for flood assistance extended

Thursday, 18 August 2011

Flood-affected primary producers and small businesses have been given an extra five months to apply for vital flood support.

The Victorian Government today announced it was extending the deadline for applications for concessional loans of up to $200,000 and $25,000 clean up and restoration grants to December 31, 2011.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said he was concerned some flood-affected producers were unable to lodge applications by the original cut-off date of August 31.

"The Victorian Government has extended the deadline for concessional loans and clean up and restoration grants by five months to ensure people are not under undue stress," Mr Walsh said.

"After the floods, many producers had to wait for their land to dry out before they could get onto their farms to begin vital clean up and restoration efforts.

"The increased workload from the floods and the high demand for contractors to help with work such as fencing, laser grading and building repairs has also created challenges.

"As a result many primary producers and small businesses won't meet the application deadline for concessional loans and clean up grants at the end of this month."

Mr Walsh said the extension to December 31 would align with the cut-off date for applications for Exceptional Disaster Assistance, or Category D, loans.

"Applicants who can demonstrate the $200,000 concessional loan and the $25,000 clean up and restoration grant is insufficient to meet their recovery needs can apply for Exceptional Disaster Assistance loans of up to $650,000," Mr Walsh said.

For more information about the flood assistance, visit the Rural Finance website or phone 5448 2600.