Premier

Additional Assistance For Small Businesses And Primary Producers Affected By Mildura Storm

01 December 2016

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan, Victorian Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino, Victorian Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford, and Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad today announced additional disaster assistance for communities affected by recent storms in the Mildura Rural City Shire.

This additional assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Minister Keenan said today’s announcement will provide concessional low interest rate loans of up to $200,000 for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit bodies who have suffered direct damage or a significant loss of income.

“Relief payments and re-establishment grants of up to $32,500 per household will also be available to eligible individuals affected by the storm,” Mr Keenan said.

Minister Merlino said the Victorian Government is working with Mildura Rural City Council and supporting the community, businesses, and primary producers to recover from the storms, through a broad assistance package that now includes the low interest rate loans.

“Since the storm hit we have worked with Mildura Rural City Council to provide emergency relief payments and re-establishment assistance to individuals and households, as well as expanding existing community health services,” Mr Merlino said.

“We are also working closely with Mildura Rural City Council and Agriculture Victoria to understand the impacts of the storms and the needs of the affected community.”

Minister Pulford said additional NDRRA assistance is being provided based on the impact assessment work undertaken by Agriculture Victoria.

“Agriculture Victoria engaged with some 1,358 primary producers across Mildura, and it is clear that we have seen significant impacts for some growers,” Ms Pulford said.

“I encourage all primary producers and small businesses who have suffered direct damage or a significant loss of income from the storm to contact Rural Finance.”

Mr Broad said the Commonwealth and Victorian government have worked closely to provide financial assistance to Mildura and surrounding communities, and have now made available low interest rate loans to help storm affected primary producers and small businesses get back on their feet as soon as possible.

“I encourage all eligible primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit bodies to apply for a concessional interest rate loan by contacting Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 or online at www.ruralfinance.com.auExternal Link ,” Mr Broad said.

Information regarding disaster assistance available can be found on the Vic Emergency website at www.emergency.vic.gov.au/reliefExternal Link or the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.auExternal Link

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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