Farmers Call For Urgent Category D Disaster Funding

Local farmers and industry representatives are continuing their fight for increased disaster relief funding as they struggle with the severe impacts of recent weather events.

At a recent meeting, concerns were raised about the urgent need to move from Category C to Category D assistance, which would provide greater financial support to those affected.

One major issue is the definition of a 'farmer' under the scheme. An example is if a business derives 51% of its gross income from its harvesting business and 49% from the farming business, it is deemed not eligible for farm business assistance. This has left some primary producers without financial aid, despite suffering significant damage to their farm. Many farming businesses undertake multiple activities to service debt and to make ends meet.

Representatives have been actively lobbying government officials at both state and federal levels to escalate the disaster classification. However, the process requires a recommendation from the state government before it can be approved by the Prime Minister. So far, despite four weeks passing since the disaster, no Category D funding has been granted, leaving affected farmers in a precarious situation.

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella said all farmers should apply for the current grant and they will continue to try and achieve Category D funding.

“This is some of the worst impact we have seen, especially on infrastructure, washouts, roads, and lands,” he added.

AgForce North Regional Director Michael Penna noted that during Cyclone Jasper north of Ingham received Category D funding within a week, but here in the Herbert District this disaster has been listed as Category C for four weeks.

AgForce North East Regional Manager Katie Malouf said if the grant does get upgraded to a Category D it will require additional paperwork, but a new grant will not be needed.

“They can start up their application now and then they can upgrade,” she said.

“They only get paid for what they spend. They've got to spend the money, then you give the receipts. It gets quantified that that is a receipt that you've spent on damage, and then you get the money back.”