Primary producers and small businesses affected by the Victorian floods will be eligible for a support package, the state government has announced.
A $73.5 million package has been allocated to help farmers and business owners clean up their properties, while business mentoring, concessional loans and transport subsidies will help businesses get back on their feet.
The $19.5 million Primary Producer Flood Relief Program will deliver a one-off $10,000 payment by Rural Finance to primary producers directly affected by the floods to help them clean up, re-establish their properties, and get their businesses up and running again.
The grants will cover activities like the removal and disposal of debris and injured or dead livestock, repairing essential equipment, fixing and replacing fencing, buying fodder, water and water storage, salvaging damaged crops, grain or feed, and hiring or purchasing materials to clean up a property or equipment.
Primary producers whose properties have been directly hit are also eligible for concessional loans of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred while the clean-up is underway.
Flood-affected primary producers can also claim up to 50 per cent of transport costs – up to $15,000 – for the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and moving stock to agistment, sale or slaughter.
Small business owners whose livelihoods have been affected by the floods will also be supported through the $54 million Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program.
Directly impacted small businesses will be eligible for a one-off payment of $5,000 to support clean-up, safety inspections, repairs, the hiring of equipment and purchase of stock that businesses need to get back in business as quickly as possible.
