Industry organisations and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) are collecting data for primary producers. This data will be collated and reported through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Assistance is managed by Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and QRAA:

• DAF – 13 25 23
• QRAA – 1800 623 946

For details on Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and QRAA officers in your area, use the postcode search on the home page.

If a primary producer is not in an area where Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) assistance is available but has suffered significant damage from a natural disaster, they can apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration. Freight subsidies can be applied for under an IDSP declaration.

To obtain an IDSP declaration, contact Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) – 13 25 23.

Category A – Standard assistance measures:

• Counter Disaster Operations
• Personal Hardship Assistance scheme

Category B – Standard assistance measures:

• Restoration of Essential Public Assets (councils)
• Freight Subsidies (primary producers)
• Concessional loans (primary producers, small business, not-for-profits)

Category C – Standard assistance measures:

• Recovery grants (primary producers small business, not-for-profits)

Category D – Standard assistance measures:

• Enhanced concessional loans, other ‘one off’ programs.

Both Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and QRAA will receive a large amount of applications throughout this process so extra staff has been called upon to assist. DAF and QRAA aim to process applications as quickly as possible and it’s suggested you call DAF or QRAA to check on the status of your application.

Getting off the farm is the first step for many. Community Recovery Hubs have been opened throughout Queensland to help people find the assistance they need to cope with the effects of TC Debbie:

• Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Alfred Street, Mackay
• Andergrove Community Centre, Celeber Drive, Andergrove,
• Bowen TAFE Campus, Queens Road, Bowen
• Proserpine State High School, 4 Ruge Street, Proserpine
• Cannonvale TAFE open (10.30am to 3.30pm) – Shute Harbour Roadd, Cannonvale

There are several phone support services as well that urge people to use these as they recovery from the disaster.

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
  See Beyond Blue’s guide to looking after yourself following a disaster HERE.
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
  See Lifeline’s ‘Getting through floods, drought and extreme climate events’ toolkit HERE.
• Country Call Back – 1800 54 33 54

Following a disaster many employers may be concerned about the availability of work for casual and permanent staff members. As an employer, you have an obligation to ensure your current employees are kept as informed as possible of the status of their positions with your business during this uncertain time. Employees need to be aware that it may be a possibility that the loss of production may result in the loss of their jobs.

If it is not viable to keep your employees employed, and you have exhausted all other options to try and keep your employees on, redundancy will be your final option. Both permanent and casual employees are entitled to final pays, including redundancy payouts. There are several terms and conditions around these circumstances which employers need to be aware of.

To find out more:

• See Fairwork Australia’s fact sheet on employment conditions during natural disasters and emergencies HERE.
• See information on redundancy HERE.
• Or call Annabel Hutch of GROWCOM on 07 36203 844 or email wrteam@growcom.com.au