Primary producers impacted by the last year’s bushfires have more time to apply for a $75,000 recovery grant.

Page MP Kevin Hogan said the eligibility criteria for the grants has been expanded, as well as the timeframe for applying.

Small businesses now have more time to request support,” Mr Hogan said. 

“The $75,000 Special Disaster Grant, which was scheduled to close at the end of the month, will now be available until December 15.

“These changes and the decision to extend the application timeframes recognises that some primary producers have experienced drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, and need more time to make a claim.”

The primary producers grant provides support to farmers and other primary production businesses in fire affected areas with the costs of such services as safety inspections, veterinary fees, waste disposal, and purchases or repairs to property or equipment damaged in the fires.

Key eligibility changes include:

• Removal of the off-farm income threshold where an applicant’s income from primary production is less than 50% of their total income.

• Allowing extra time for applicants to reach the 50% income threshold in recognition of long lead times required by some sectors to reach full production.

• Applicants are no longer required to be registered for GST but must still hold an ABN.

• Businesses earning more than 50% of their income from a combination of primary production and goods made directly from that produce will now be eligible for assistance.

Mr Hogan said these changes will come into effect shortly. 

“Applicants who were previously unsuccessful and may now be eligible will not need to reapply - agencies administering the grants will contact these applicants,” he said.

“This grant has been incredibly successful, with more than 1,500 farmers across the State receiving close to $100 million to help cover the costs of repairing and rebuilding infrastructure on their properties.

“We have also extended the timeframes for other small business bushfire recovery grants and loans.”

Applications for small business assistance in the form of $10,000 and $50,000 grants and concessional loans of up to $500,000 can now also be made up to 15 December 2020.

Primary producers and small business operators in fire affected areas that have not been in touch with support agencies are encouraged to not self-assess and to speak to a support officer.

For more information, visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/