CANEGROWERS welcomes the news that the closing date for applications for Cyclone Debbie recovery assistance has been extended.

Farmers impacted by Cyclone Debbie in March 2017 now have until 12 January 2018 to apply for clean-up and recovery grants under the Category C of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

“We acknowledge and thank the Queensland and Federal Governments for listening to our concerns and, along with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, for recognising the need for an extension,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

“It had become very clear that 13 October was too soon for everyone to assess and repair the damage to their farms and then apply for the assistance they desperately need.

“We had feared that growers with legitimate claims would miss out, especially as harvesting operations are uncovering more paddock damage and the long waiting times being experienced for equipment and materials.

“It will be a relief to many of our members to know that they now have more time to get their farms back to their pre-cyclone state,” he said.

CANEGROWERS members are urged to work with their local industry representatives and apply for the Category C assistance through QRIDA.