New financial support packages are now available to help Tasmanian primary producers and small businesses affected by the recent floods.
While work remains ongoing, an estimated 50 businesses in the North West and 15 in the North have been impacted significantly by the floods, including small businesses and primary producers, and 127 individual properties have been assessed across 14 municipalities.
The floods have been particularly devastating for our farming communities, already reeling from the drought, bushfires and milk price drops.
The new Flood Recovery Loan Scheme and a Transport Subsidy launched by the Hodgman Government and Australian Government today will help those affected to get back on their feet.
The Flood Recovery Loan Scheme will provide loans from $25,000 to $200,000 for eligible primary producers and businesses.
We understand that the floods have hit some businesses hard and this new scheme is a practical measure to help our small businesses and primary producers.
Loans can be used to help with essential working capital, replacement and repair of property, associated improvements and plant and equipment not covered by insurance.
The loan will be offered for a maximum term of seven years with initial interest and repayment free periods of up to two years.
The new Transport Subsidy will make up to $15,000 per farm available to eligible farmers.
We understand that Tasmanian primary producers need help caring and managing their stock, and with meeting their business needs.
Providing assistance with transporting livestock is a practical way we can give farmers a helping hand.
Eligible costs under the transport subsidy scheme include transporting fodder and water to a property, stock to and from agistment, sale or slaughter, and transport of equipment and materials directly associated with primary production.
A subsidy of up to 50 per cent of the total freight costs up to the maximum payment of $15,000 will be considered. The scheme will be available for six months.
For more information go to: www.alert.tas.gov.au/Resources/Pages/FloodRecovery.aspx
For general information about recovery please contact the Tasmanian Flood Recovery Taskforce on 1800 567 567 or email floodrecovery@dpac.tas.gov.au
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