CANEGROWERS MEDIA RELEASE


09 May 2011:  CANEGROWERS welcomes extension of assistance to Mackay/Whitsunday

CANEGROWERS has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin, that further recovery assistance has been extended to Mackay and Whitsunday Regional Council areas following the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

CANEGROWERS says that it is pleased that primary producers and small businesses in these areas are now eligible for Category C assistance under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

“This is a hard fought win for CANEGROWERS,” says CANEGROWERS Chief Operating Officer Ron Mullins. “The move by the Queensland Government to extend eligibility to the $25,000 grants designed to enable community recovery for those severely affected by disaster events, is well-received news primary producers and small businesses alike."

Following Cyclone Yasi, ongoing rain and wet weather has resulted in significant infrastructure damage in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions. This has included damage to on-property roads, in particular haul-out roads on cane properties, together with severe erosion that will require laser levelling.

Primary producers and small businesses will be eligible to receive cash grants under Category C of the NDRRA. Primary producers who have suffered direct damage from natural disasters can apply for cash grants of $5,000. A further grant of up to $20,000 is available depending on the extent of the damage.

For further information on levels of assistance available please contact QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946 or at www.qraa.qld.gov.au


Media comment:           Ron Mullins | CANEGROWERS COO | 0417 790 156
                                          Steve Greenwood | CANEGROWERS CEO | 0488 721 156

More information:         Suzi Moore | CANEGROWERS Communications | 0427 641 239 or 07 3864 6444