The state government will dish out a $73.5 million package to help primary producers and small businesses recover after the recent flooding across Victoria.
In a statement, the government said the package includes the $19.5 million Primary Producer Flood Relief Program to deliver a one-off $10,000 payment to primary producers directly affected by the floods.
The grants will cover activities including the removal and disposal of debris and injured or dead livestock, repairing essential equipment, fixing and replacing fencing, buying fodder, water and water storage and more.
Primary producers whose properties were directly hit are eligible for concessional loans of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred while the clean-up occurs.
Up to $15,000 can be claimed by flood-affected primary producers for up to 50 per cent of transport costs.
Directly-impacted small business owners can apply for a one-off $5000 payment through the $54 million Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program.
“The program will also support a dedicated Business Relief Service – with dedicated mentors to guide business owners through the available commonwealth, state and local supports, manage insurance and landlord issues and build a strong recovery strategy,” the government said.
The government said a further $2 million would support trusted community mental health organisations to deliver care “when it’s needed most”.
“Neighbourhood Houses and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations in affected areas will receive $400,000 to run local events, connecting flood-affected residents across communities,” the government said.
“Primary producers whose properties, livestock or crops were lost in the floods will get the dedicated mental health support they need, with $500,000 for specialist agriculture organisations including the National Centre for Farmer Health.”
Applications for both programs open on Thursday, October 20 – with applicants for the agriculture grants encouraged to visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/floods/flood-advice-and-support. For small business grants, call the Business Victoria hotline on 132 215.
