Primary Producer Emergency Recovery Grant Opens October 15: Support for Farmers Affected by Severe Weather

Tasmanian farmers impacted by the severe weather event that began on August 26, 2024, will soon have access to critical financial support. At 2:00 PM on October 15, 2024, the Primary Producer Emergency Recovery Grant (Storm 2024) will open to help affected primary producers with the costs of clean-up, reinstatement, and recovery of their farming operations.

This program is part of a broader recovery effort following the widespread damage caused by heavy rain, floods, and strong winds across Tasmania, which left many farms and businesses struggling to recover.

Grant Objectives

The key goals of the Primary Producer Emergency Recovery Grant are to:

• Provide financial assistance for clean-up and restoration efforts on impacted farms.
• Help primary producers resume or continue their operations as soon as possible.

Grant Details

• Statewide Support: Primary producers throughout Tasmania affected by the severe weather event are eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000 (GST exclusive). This funding is intended to cover expenses related to clean-up and recovery activities.
• Additional Funding for Hardest-Hit Areas: Recognizing the extensive flooding in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Local Government Areas (LGAs), primary producers in these regions may be eligible for an additional $15,000 upon providing evidence of the additional costs incurred for clean-up and recovery.

Eligible Activities

The grant covers a variety of expenses related to clean-up and recovery, including but not limited to:

• Removal of debris and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
• Repairs to fencing, sheds, and essential equipment needed for farming operations.
• Actions necessary to safeguard livestock and protect crops from further damage.
• Costs associated with restoring power, water, and essential services to farm operations.

How to Apply

Farmers can access detailed guidelines and submit their application through the FarmPoint website. Applications will be accepted starting at 2:00 PM on October 15, 2024. The program is expected to be highly sought after, so early submission is recommended.

The application process requires primary producers to provide details about their losses, an outline of their clean-up and recovery efforts, and evidence of expenses incurred. Farmers in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands LGAs will need to submit additional documentation to qualify for the supplementary $15,000 grant.

Other Available Grants

In addition to the Primary Producer Emergency Recovery Grant, similar grant programs will be available for:

• Small Businesses: Emergency Response Grants of up to $25,000 to assist small businesses with clean-up and recovery efforts.
• Non-Profit Organisations: Emergency Response Grants of up to $25,000 for non-profits impacted by the storm to help restore services and operations.

For households affected by the storm, the Recovery and Restoration Grants are also open, offering assistance of up to $11,450 for the replacement of essential household items and property repairs.

Impacts of the August 2024 Severe Weather Event

The severe weather event between August 26 and September 4, 2024, brought extensive flooding, high rainfall, and significant wind damage across Tasmania, affecting all three regions of the state. Farms and agricultural properties were particularly vulnerable, with flooding along the Derwent River catchment causing some of the most severe impacts. Power and telecommunications outages added to the disruption, making recovery a daunting task for many primary producers.

This grant program is a vital part of Tasmania’s ongoing recovery, offering practical assistance to the agricultural community, which is the backbone of the state’s economy.

Reporting Damage and Further Assistance

If you have experienced storm damage that has not yet been reported, please contact TasFarmers by email or phone. We are keen to hear from producers who are still facing challenges and need additional support.

For more information or to apply, visit the FarmPoint website.

This grant program is funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, a joint initiative of the Commonwealth and Tasmanian State Governments, aimed at helping businesses, farmers, and communities rebuild after natural disasters.