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Bushfire Assistance 2009 - Primary Producers Primary Producers whose properties have been physically affected in the 2009 bushfires are eligible to seek assistance in the form of grants and/or concessional loans.
Clean-up and Restoration Grant Clean-up and Restoration Grant The Clean-up and Restoration Grant provides a one-off grant to primary producers who have suffered direct physical damage as a result of bushfire for clean up, removal of debris, animal welfare and business restoration. This grant is not intended to replace the need for insurance, and is not intended to provide compensation for losses. Insurance payments will not affect eligibility for the initial grant but will be taken into account in the assessment of the supplementary grant. All claims for assistance will be assessed on an individual basis.
The Clean-up and Restoration Grant is a discretionary payment, and although not income tested, is based on the needs of the applicant which must be demonstrated through an assessment process. Primary producers must have suffered direct damage as a result of the 2009 bushfires in Victoria. This may include damage to farm buildings, crops, pasture, stock, fencing and/or tools of trade (e.g. equipment, plant). An eligible farmer is one who is registered with the Australian Tax Office and:
Lifestyle or hobby farmers are not eligible for assistance.
The Clean-up and Restoration Grant can assist with:
The amount of each Clean-up and Restoration Grant is based on need. An initial maximum of up to $5,000 is available for immediate clean-up and/or stock welfare. A further grant of up to $20,000 is available following a more detailed assessment which is subject to a separate application and may be supplemented with a concessional interest rate loan. Payments are made by direct credit to the business’ nominated bank account or paid by cheque. Applications must be made within 6 months of the impact of the fire. Any applicant found to provide information of a fraudulent nature may be liable to prosecution and will be required to repay the grant.
Applications for the Initial Clean-up and Restoration Grant have now closed. To apply for the second grant of up to $20,000 you are required to have lodged an Initial Clean-up and Restoration Grant prior to the closing date and have completed and lodged by 31 December 2009 the Application for Bushfire Supplementary Grant - Primary Producers. Completed applications should be forwarded to:
These grants are part of the overall recovery process and there may be other assistance, information or services available for affected landholders. To find out more information contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
If you require an alternative to a pdf please contact marketing@ruralfinance.com.au Concessional loans are available to eligible primary producers who have suffered losses as a result of physical bushfire damage to their property and who are assessed to be in need of financial assistance. Each case will be assessed on its merits. Primary producers will need to demonstrate that the majority of their time and capital is devoted to the farming operation and in normal circumstances the major portion of their income is derived from the farm. The farming operation should have reasonable prospects of profitable trading in the future including a capacity to service borrowings. Rural Finance will work closely with the banking sector to develop suitable financial packages to meet individual requirements. As well as essential working capital finance, loans may be made for the replacement of lost or damaged structures, livestock, fodder and equipment. Loans will bear a concessional interest rate for an initial period not exceeding five years. In the first instance the rate will be 3.2% per annum. At the end of the five year concessional period, loans for purposes other than working capital may be extended for a further period of up to ten years, but the interest rate on any extended loan will be subject to review and will be set at, or close to, commercial interest rates prevailing at that time. Any application for loan assistance will have regard for insurance recoveries and the financial resources available to affected applicants. Loans of up to $200,000 are available for primary producers. Adequate security will be required for any lending. Application fees will not apply. To apply for the Bushfire Assistance Loan the Bushfire Application Loan – Primary Producers should be completed and lodged by Wednesday 30 June 2010. Completed applications should be forwarded to: If required, a Rural Finance officer will be in contact for a further discussion, which may include a personal interview or on-site visit.
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