Flood gates open for help

LOCAL primary producers who suffered extreme damage in the February floods can now apply for exceptional flood assistance.
The Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh, has announced this additional assistance package, which involves cost-sharing arrangements with the Federal Government under the Natural Disaster Relief.
Cardinia Shire mayor George Blenkhorn said the assistance was a huge boost for local producers across the shire who sustained damage and extensive losses as a result of the floods earlier this year.
“Cardinia Shire’s primary producers suffered at the hand of nature and the community needs them back in business too, partly for local economic reasons but also because their produce is a vital food source for many thousands of people across the country,” said Cr Blenkhorn.
Cr Blenkhorn said the loans of up to $50,000 were offered at four per cent interest over five years, but no interest or principal repayments will be required in the first two years.
To apply for the $650,000 exceptional flood assistance package will need to apply for the initial grant and loans on offer as a first step.