The peak-body for the cotton industry in Australia, Cotton Australia has welcomed the announcement of financial help for impacted Queensland cotton growers under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud and Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner have confirmed flood impacted farmers in Queensland can now access grants up to $75,000 to help them recover.
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said while the rain was welcomed by many cotton growers, some in the Goondiwindi Regional Council area suffered extreme hardship, losing all their crops and farming infrastructure including fencing, sheds and pumps. “In March when the rain began in southern Queensland most farmers celebrated because it helped finish crops off and provided much needed reserves for next season. When we heard of the extent of the flood damage in the Goondiwindi region, Cotton Australia sought government help and both Minister Littleproud and Minister Furner stood up and delivered for farmers.”
“I know our growers will greatly appreciate the grant assistance which will help get them through to next year when hopefully they will have a much better season.” Cotton Australia is continuing its series of grower and community meetings next week in Goondiwindi, Dirranbandi and St George to stay in touch with the issues impacting on all its farmers and the communities in which they live.
