Scott has over 10 years Industry Association management experience and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

Scott is very keen to be speaking to all members personally over the next couple of months and discussing how we can best help you.

Please feel free to contact Scott if you would like as he will welcome your call.

QSIA is responding to the flood crisis providing support to members wherever possible and working with industry and government departments in recovery efforts. Whilst maintaining constant contact with members, we have been lobbying regularly to get greater support for our members. QSIA has attended the Industry Flood Control Group meetings and is consistently talking with the Department of Education, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) to increase assistance to regional and rural areas and welcomes any information that would help in our endeavours.

Although we have spoken to many members, we want to hear from anyone who has been impacted and will provide support wherever possible. Please contact the Brisbane office on 07 3262 6855 to speak to one of our staff or President Michael Gardner directly on 0409 991 150.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)

The AGDRP is a one-off payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child under 16 years. This payment is available:

• If your residence has sustained major damage or been destroyed
• If you or a child you care for has been seriously injured.
• If your family has experienced a death as a result of the disaster
• If you have been restricted from accessing or leaving your residence for more the 24 hours
• If you have been without services such as water, sewage, electricity or others for over 48 hours

Download the application form.

If claiming by phone, download the application form.

More information can be found here

Special disaster flood assistance grants

The Queensland Government is providing flood assistance grants through Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA). Small businesses and primary producers in the following Local Government Areas will be eligible for up to $25,000:

Eligible Local Government areas (as at 5 January 2011):

Banana, Barcaldine, Bundaberg, Somerset, Central Highlands, Cherbourg, Lockyer Valley, North Burnett, Rockhampton, Scenic Rim, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba, Western Downs, Woorabinda and part of Isaac.

• Tier 1 grants of up to $5000 will be immediately available to assist with the early recovery effort.
• Tier 2 grants of up to $20,000 will be provided on proof of expenditure. With the Tier 1 grants included, assistance up to a total of $25,000 will be available

For primary producers download application form

For small business owners download application form

For further details visit the QRAA web site or call 1800 623 946.

Natural Disaster Assistance for Primary Producers

QRAA are also providing $250,000 concessional loans to primary producers in the following Council areas:

Balonne; Banana; Barcaldine; Blackall-Tambo; Bundaberg; Central Highlands; Cherbourg; Gladstone; Goondiwindi; Isaac; Lockyer Valley; Longreach; Maranoa; Murweh; North Burnett; Rockhampton; Scenic Rim; Somerset; South Burnett; Southern Downs; Toowoomba; Western Downs and Woorabinda.

Finance can be obtained for requirements including:

• Replanting/restoration/reestablishment of affected areas
• Sustenance
• Essential property operations
• Payment of rent, rates
• Replacement of farm buildings
• Restocking

Download the guidelines for accessing QRAA loans

Download application form for QRAA loans

For further information and to download the application forms and other information please visit and look to the right hand side of the QRAA web site or call 1800 623 946.

Centrelink Assistance

Centrelink has advised that people in the below postcodes who usually lodge their forms in person can do so over the phone until 14 January 2011:

4352, 4362, 4365, 4370 – 4373, 4385, 4387, 4388

4404 – 4408, 4410 – 4424

4621, 4625, 4626, 4627,4630, 4650, 4659, 4660, 4662, 4670 – 4674, 4676

4702, 4713, 4714, 4710, 4718, 4723

For further information, visit Centerlink or contact Centrelink on 180 22 66.

Freight Subsidies

You may be able to access up to $5000 of subsidies on freight for the transport of water, building, fencing, equipment, machinery and fuel as well as other items.

The guidelines and application forms can be accessed through the DPI web site.

Personal Hardship Grant

Personal Hardship Grants of up to $170 per person or $850 for a family of five or more for food, clothing, medical supplies or accommodation caused by the disaster.

To apply for the grant call 1800 173 349 to be passed through to their local contact. Alternatively, if you are able to, you can present at one of the Local Recovery Centres listed below.

Bundaberg PCYC – 37D Maryborough St (open 9am – 5pm)
Chinchilla Cultural Centre – 80/86 Heeny Street (open 8:30am – 5:30pm)
Emerald McIndoe Park – Opal Street (open 9am – 5pm)
Rockhampton – Showground, James Lawrence Pavillion (open 9am – 5pm)

Local outreach teams have also been activated for areas that do not have access to the Local Recovery Centres and are accessed through the 1800 173 349 call centre.

Essential Household Contents Grant

Essential Household Contents Grant for household contents damaged or destroyed provides for a once off payment of up to $1705 per adult and up to $5120 for a couple or family. This grant is means tested and can be accessed in the same way as the Personal Hardship Grant (details above). 

Structural Assistance Grant

For those who have suffered structure damage to their homes are eligible for a once off payment of up to $10,500 per adult and a maximum of $14,200 for a couple or family. This grant is also means tested and can be accessed in the same way as the Personal Hardship Grant (details above). 

Other assistance:

Australian Tax Office

The Australian Tax Office is granting extensions and assistance to growers who have lost their business records at no cost to those affected by the disaster.

Members are encouraged to call 1800 806 218 or visit www.ato.gov.aufor more information

Legal Aid for Insurance Claims

Legal Aid Queensland provides specific assistance to anyone who is having difficulties in claiming insurance after flooding. An information fact sheet with information and contact numbers is available here.

download here