Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) eligibility criteria expands

More flood-hit farmers are now qualify for disaster payments after the government widened eligibility criteria. Read why producers will be rejoicing.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett (right) with cane farmer Stephen Accornero and Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo in the immediate aftermath of the North Queensland flood disaster in February. The minister says more Queensland farmers will be able to access support under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Picture: Cameron Bates

In welcome news for flood-struck Queensland primary producers, the state and federal governments have expanded eligibility criteria for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Producers, including North Queensland cane farmers, whose income includes agricultural support services such as cane harvesting have previously been unable to access support under the joint Commonwealth-state DRFA.

The announcement means farmers previously ineligible for assistance can apply for support measures like Disaster Recovery Grants, disaster loans and freight subsidies thanks to an amendment to the definition of a primary producer.

According to the Queensland Government, Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 are available for affected producers, including cane farmers hit by the historic flood disaster in February.

Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo with Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett. Mr Jayo and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto were strong advocates for greater assistance for farmers in the vitally strategic sugar-cane industry in the wake of the disaster. Picture: Cameron Bates

Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett, one of the first on the ground in Hinchinbrook in the aftermath of the disaster, said it was important to support “the men and women making sure we have food on the table”.

“Agriculture is vital to every Australian and when our producers suffer, we all do … and in times of disaster it’s vital all support avenues are available to them.”

He said the changes would be applied retrospectively to the 2025 Queensland summer.

“I encourage any farmer previously deemed ineligible under the DRFA to contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 to find out what the amendments mean for them.”

A cane field at the base of the largest of a number of giant landslides in the Paluma Ranges in Hinchinbrook Shire following the flood disaster. Picture: Cameron Bates

Kristy McBain, the federal minister for emergency management, said she had been working with the Queensland Government to ensure producers were able to access DRFA.

“These agricultural support services are essential for sustaining a small-scale farming operation, and we want to make sure these producers are supported in their disaster recovery,” she said.

“This amendment to the way these grants are delivered will give more farmers security and confidence that when severe weather strikes, they can get back on their feet.”

The floods in Ingham. The definition of a primary producer has been amended to include income from agricultural support services such as harvesting and mustering. Changes apply to all relevant DRFA assistance measures directly relating to primary producers and can be applied retrospectively. Picture: Cameron Bates

Anthony Chisholm, the federal assistant minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, said the expanded guidelines would deliver help to some of the state’s most remote areas.

“This summer saw severe weather strike towns in some of Queensland’s very remote areas, so the more assistance we can deliver for producers in these areas the better,” he said.

“Queensland farmers are as resilient as they come, but they expect governments of all persuasions to give them a hand when they need it most, and that’s what we’re doing.”

The issue was one of the first concerns Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo raised with Mr Perrett in the immediate aftermath of the floods.

Originally published as Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) eligibility criteria expands