
Disaster recovery assistance has been expanded to include a wider range of primary production businesses, offering vital financial support to more regional enterprises impacted by severe weather events earlier this year.
Under the updated Primary Production Enterprise definition, contracting businesses such as farm irrigation services, mustering, shearing, silage baling, and timber plantation maintenance services may now be eligible for assistance, subject to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) Code.
The expanded eligibility applies to the following disaster events:
North and Far North Tropical Low (29 January – 28 February 2025)
Tropical Cyclone Alfred and Associated Severe Weather (1 – 16 March 2025)
Western Queensland Surface Trough and Associated Rainfall and Flooding (21 March – 19 May 2025)
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) encourages affected businesses to review the updated guidelines to determine their eligibility.
The changes mean businesses can now apply for assistance if damage has occurred across both their farm enterprise and primary production contracting enterprise. It may also be easier for applicants to demonstrate that the majority of their income and labour are derived from primary production activities.
Eligible businesses should ensure their operations align with the correct Business Industry Code (BIC), which is essential for Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration. Primary production support services should have a BIC of 05290.
Available financial assistance includes Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants, Disaster Assistance Loans, and Essential Working Capital Loans to help businesses recover and resume normal operations.
Full eligibility details are available on the QRIDA website at qrida.qld.gov.au/primary-producers.
Additional primary production businesses may now be eligible for disaster recovery assistance (Photo Supplied)