Katter calls on PM to lift disaster grants to $75,000 for flood-affected farmers
February 21, 2025
KAP Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has written to the Prime Minister calling for Category D grants of up to $75,000 to be urgently approved.
"We appreciate the support provided so far, but $25,000 is simply not enough to get our farmers back on their feet," Mr Katter said.
"We've seen in past disasters that governments have been willing to go further—why should North Queensland farmers be treated any differently?"
Mr Katter pointed to multiple examples where primary producers impacted by disasters received significantly higher levels of assistance:
"In 2019, following the Julia Creek flood disaster, farmers were eligible for grants of up to $400,000.
"In the 2022-23 wet weather events in the Gulf and mid-west, primary producers in those areas could apply for co-contribution grants of up to $150,000.
"In 2021, farmers affected by cyclone Niran in Innisfail received $75,000 'Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants' to help with crop re-establishment and clean-up costs.
"In every one of these disasters, governments recognised the scale of the damage and stepped up with proper funding," Mr Katter said.
Speaking with industry bodies, including AgForce, QCAR and Canegrowers, and impacted farmers in the disaster epicentre of Ingham, Mr Katter said the damage to cane and cattle farms had been severe, and the current funding levels are inadequate.
"Cane farmers have lost their crops, their farm infrastructure is damaged, and many who own harvesters are being locked out of support entirely due to outdated eligibility criteria," he said.
"Meanwhile, graziers have seen their cattle drowned or poisoned after eating toxic lantana in the absence of dry feed. Their fences, sheds, and essential infrastructure have been destroyed. These people need real help, not scraps."
In his letter, Mr Katter demanded the immediate activation of Category D disaster grants of up to $75,000 to give flood-affected farmers a fair chance at recovery.
"Category D funding exists to fill recovery gaps, and right now, there is a gaping hole in support for our primary producers," he said. "We have to give these farmers what they need to rebuild."
ENDS
Electorate Bob (red tie and jeans) in Ingham’s annual Kindy Quiz Night? or Parli Bob (waistcoat and maroon scarf) in Airlie Beach’s Halloween Party? We love a good Bob pic!
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I couldn’t sleep last night.. praying for my good and long term friend Helen. Helen brings sparkle, enlightenment and joy to the centre of the crossbench. My thoughts are also with your family, friends and staff at this extremely difficult time. May Jesus keep you all in his blessings. Bob Katter
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