THE Victorian Government is supporting primary producers across Victoria affected by the devastating floods to get back in business, with an initial package of support to help kickstart their relief effort.
A $73.5 million package will deliver grants to help clean up properties, while business mentoring, concessional loans and transport subsidies will help producers get back on their feet.
The $19.5 million Primary Producer Flood Relief Program will also deliver a one-off $10,000 payment. Grants will cover activities such as 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 cleanup 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.
Applications for the grant programs opened on October 20.
Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/flood-advice-and-support
