SunWater Part A Relief for Queensland farmers

Cotton Australia and its growers has had some success in recent weeks in being able to extend the level of State Government assistance to growers, with relief for SunWater Part A and the provision of financial advice on the Darling Downs.

Following a recent visit to Theodore by Premier Anna Bligh, where among other engagements, she met with growers at Fleur and Kirk Anderson’s property, the Premier subsequently rang Fleur to give her an update on the changes being announced by the Qld Government.

The Premier has indicated her Government will be providing two quarters of SunWater Part A payment relief to irrigators that can demonstrate the loss of two consecutive primary crops. It is the Government’s view that the Theodore irrigators are the only ones in the State that are likely to be able to demonstrate that criteria due to the March 2010 flood and the summer floods of 2010/2011.

However, Cotton Australia would be most interested in hearing from any other cotton growers who receive water through SunWater schemes, who believe they would meet the above criteria.

Theodore irrigators should receive individual application forms from the Government in the coming days.

Financial Advice and Support on the Darling Downs

Following intensive lobbying by Cotton Australia, the Queensland Government has appointed Toowoomba based rural consultant Kim Bowman to work with Darling Downs growers to ensure they accessed all the financial assistance that they have had made available to them.

While Mr Bowman’s specific tasks are still to be determined, he will be available to provide assistance and advice on accessing QRAA funding including the $25,000 Disaster Recovery Grant and the concessional loans that are available up to $650,000.

Cotton Australia and the Darling Downs Cotton Growers Association will work closely with Kim to ensure the maximum opportunity for growers to utilize his services.