The Victorian flooding events of the past week have been devastating for many in the breeding community and Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is committed to assisting those who have been impacted.
With the announcement of a flood relief package from the Victorian government in the past few days, we want to ensure all those businesses that are eligible to claim are able to do so.
To assist with this, TBA are working with specialist thoroughbred accounting firm, Stable Financial, to provide a service for those breeders who might need some support lodging their applications for grants. This service will be provided free of charge to breeders.
Those wanting to receive support and guidance on navigating the applications for grants or concessional loans can call 03 9629 3023 and ask to speak to Kim Borzatti or Kate Bartolo.
Alternatively, people can email info@stablefinancial.com.au for support.
TBA chief executive Tom Reilly said: “We all know that filling in forms and dealing with government paperwork can be daunting at the best of times, let alone when you’re trying to deal with the impacts of a natural disaster.
“I’m very grateful to Adam Tims, the principal of Stable Financial and honorary treasurer of TBA and Aushorse, to make his staff available so that people can get some advice on how to lodge an application for a grant or concessional loan.”
The relief package announced includes the following:
For Primary Producers
Primary Producer Flood Clean Up and Relief Grant
- $10,000 one off payment for direct impact of floods.
- Covers activities such as the removal/disposal of debris and injured/deceased livestock, replacing or repairing essential equipment, fixing and replacing fencing, buying fodder, water and water storage, salvaging damaged crops, grain or feed, and hiring or purchasing materials to clean up a property or equipment.
- Additional supporting documentation is required to be submitted with the application, which is submitted through Rural Finance.
- Click here for more information and guidelines.
Primary Producer Transport Support Program
- Claim up to 50% of transport costs up to a total of $15,000 for the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and moving stock to agistment/sale/slaughter due to flooding.
- To claim this support, you can use the same application form as the Flood Clean Up and Relief Grant.
- Click here for more information and guidelines.
Primary Producer Concessional Loans
- Eligible to apply for concessional loans of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets.
- Click here for more information and guidelines.
For Businesses (excluding Primary Producers)
Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program
- $5,000 one off payment for significant damage.
- Click here for more information and guidelines.
For Individuals
Disaster Recovery Payment
- Serious injuries/deaths/missing family members/extensive damage to personal home.
- Click here for more information and guidelines.
Disaster Recovery Allowance
- Loss of personal income as a direct result of floods and earn less than the average Australian wage of $1,737.10 per week.
- Click here for more information and guidelines.
TBA is also committed to supporting the mental health needs of those who have gone through the traumatic events of the floods. Our Stud Staff Support Line (1300 822 935) provides free and confidential counselling to all in the industry.
Furthermore, TBA has assisted a number of impacted farms by sending a counsellor to the property to talk to staff. To arrange such a visit, contact Cecelia in the TBA team on +61 411 696 036.
