Primary producers impacted by bushfires can apply for disaster recovery assistance.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said when conditions and access improved, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) staff would conduct on-the-ground assessments to better understand the impacts of these severe bushfires.

“This will determine what activation criteria is met for the joint state/commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA),” Mr Furner said.

“But producers don’t need to wait for a formal activation.

“Producers suffering severe damage can apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration, which gives access to freight subsidies up to $5 000 from DAF, and Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Disaster Assistance loans of up to $250 000 available at a concessional interest rate.

“I strongly urge everyone to keep updated on current conditions and not to return to their properties until it is safe to do so.

“Conditions in the central and south-east parts of the state are expected to worsen today so if you live in an area threatened by severe bushfire conditions, please tune into your local radio or other media to monitor conditions and warnings.”

Information on applying for an IDSP declaration can be found at daf.qld.gov.au or phone 13 25 23 for assistance.

To keep up-to-date on the latest bushfire situation visit ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx