Category B Assistance to help producers affected by North Queensland flooding

Category B Disaster Assistance has been activated for primary producers affected by recent heavy rains in the Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, and Cloncurry and McKinlay Shire Council areas.

Eligible farmers can now access concessional loans of up to $250,000, essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 and freight subsidies of up to $5,000.

The Disaster Assistance is being administered by the Queensland State Government with support from the Federal Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

North Queensland has the potential for more rain in the coming days after Tropical Cyclone Iris reformed off the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Iris is expected to continue moving slowly to the south through most of today while continuing to intensify, before curving to the southeast, parallel to the Queensland coast, on Wednesday.

At this stage, the cyclone is not expected to cross the Queensland coast but may approach close enough to bring destructive winds and heavy rains to already soaked parts of the state.

Category B Natural Disaster Assistance loans are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on behalf of the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments.

Visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946 for further information.