SIGNIFICANT WEATHER EVENT – 27TH/28TH JANUARY 2020
I refer to KCGO original email/post to web page of 4th February regarding the above weather event and assistance sought from growers at the time surrounding damage incurred and approximate cost to rectify.
This information was collated and previously provided to Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) along with details from other collectives in relation to their members to establish whether there is sufficient data to warrant DAF initial assessment process for Cat C activation or alternatively adequate evidence for a business case for Cat B activation.
Have recently been informed by DAF that Burdekin cane grower organisations have provided details for a total of 29 producers impacted by the 27-28 January 2020 rainfall event, with areas within the region reportedly recording >700mm across the 2 days. Estimate of damages for these 29 producers amounted to approximately $852,500.
The nature of theses impacts and estimated costs of repair vary considerably, ranging from $2000 – $119,000 per enterprise. The vast majority of impacts relate to washouts, headland / paddock erosion and damage to channels and drains. There are some instances of causeway damage, and damage/loss of plant and equipment.
To date only Counter Disaster Operations (CDO) and Restoration of Essential Public Assets (REPA) assistance have been activated in relation to the 2020 rain event that impacted parts of the lower Burdekin. There was no Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) activation for primary producers. The DRFA activation and support provisions associated with the 2019 monsoonal flood event are discrete, and have no sway in relation to the 2020 rain event.
Based on the information provided, DAF have indicated that it is clear that the impacts sustained from the 2020 rainfall event do not meet the prescribed eligibility thresholds for the Queensland Premier to elevate a DRFA activation case to the Australian Government and Prime Minister for consideration and approval:
DRFA Category C Activation (The level at which cash grants come into play):
The State must demonstrate the following impacts for the Commonwealth to consider cost sharing DRFA Cat C measures:
Standard Recovery Grants (up to $10,000) for primary producers:
– More than 15% of primary producers in the sector have been directly affected,
– Those primary producers affected have incurred losses worth more than 10% of the Total Gross Value of Agricultural Production (TGVAP) in the sector, and
– Primary producer viability or production in the sector is at risk of disruption beyond the current season.
Note: The eligibility criteria for ‘exceptional circumstance recovery grants’ (up to $25,000) for primary producers are higher again
DRFA Category B Activation
Typically this level of activation is made on a ‘whole Shire’ basis, with support provisions based around freight subsidies and access to low interest loans up to $250,000. There is no provision for cash grants, which only come with higher level DRFA activations.
In circumstances like the 2020 rainfall event that impacted parts of the lower Burdekin (comparatively smaller number of primary producers impacted, albeit to varying degrees, in a limited geographic area), the Queensland Government through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), can assess and declare an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP). Further information on IDSP’s and the IDSP Application Form can be found here:
An approved IDSP provides support/assistance provisions for an impacted primary producer commensurate with those that would be available through a DRFA Category B activation.
Accordingly there will be no DRFA Category C activation ie. availability to grant monies as a result of this weather event. However members are encouraged, should they wish, to apply for QRIDA concessional loans under IDSP available from the DAF website and submit their applications directly to Adam West (details below) who will co-ordinate the assessment process.
If members have any queries in relation to this matter please do not hesitate to contact this office.
Adam West
Director North Region
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Position # 76015085 Fin Del: 3 HR Del: 3
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T 07 3330 4501 M 0427 406 108 E [email protected] W www.daf.qld.gov.au
9-15 Langton Street, Garbutt QLD 4814
PO Box 1085, Townsville QLD 4810
Les Elphinstone
Manager KCGO