Growers
Notices
Please Note: Click on the icon to view the document, or click the right mouse button over the icon and select "Save target as..." to save it to your computer. Click on author's name to email author.
Cyclone Yasi
The new assistance measures reflect the exceptional nature of the damage in Far North Queensland and are targeted at the hardest hit areas, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook and parts of the Tablelands.
The Commonwealth has activated Category D of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements and other new measures, including:
-
Special concessional loans of up to $650,000 for eligible businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations suffering extreme damage, with a grant component of up to $50,000
-
Wage assistance for employers, including primary producers, equivalent to Newstart Allowance for up to 13 weeks to help maintain the viability of businesses and the local community. This period may be extended to 26 weeks depending on the speed of the recovery
-
A $20 million Rural Resilience Fund, jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland Governments, to be administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to help fund business and community support activities, such as farm clean-ups, counselling and social support measures
-
An upfront payment of $50 million to the Queensland Government as an advance on future liabilities under the NDRRA
The Federal Government has also agreed to activate NDRRA Category C clean-up and recovery grants of up to $25,000 for eligible small businesses and primary producers in the local government areas of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville and Yarrabah.
It is too early to estimate the cost of rebuilding infrastructure but the measures announced today, together with payments under the AGDRP, are expected to deliver in the order of $400 million of assistance for the cyclone-affected communities.
This is a specific package designed to address the unique issues faced by Far North Queensland communities recovering from this disaster.
The region faces significant economic challenges over the coming months because of its reliance on a few key industries, such as sugar and bananas, which will take many months to recover.
The Far North's distance from major centres also means there are limited alternative sources of employment. The Government aims to prevent communities from being hollowed out before the recovery is fully underway.
The package of measures will help local economies rebuild so that people can continue working and businesses can keep their doors open.
The new measures announced today will build on the assistance that has already been rolled out to support cyclone-affected regions, as well as a broader range of flood-affected areas:
-
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 for each child. To date, more than 126,000 claims have been made, injecting more than $148 million into cyclone-affected communities
-
Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy for individuals, small businesses and primary producers who have suffered a loss of income as a result of the cyclone
-
Concessional loans of up to $250,000 to assist the recovery of eligible businesses and primary producers
-
Freight subsidies of up to $5,000 to assist primary producers with the costs of transporting livestock, fodder, water or equipment as a result of the cyclone
-
Provision of tax relief including fast-tracking refunds, deferral of payment dates and assistance with record reconstruction by the Australian Taxation Office
-
Provision of more than 1,000 Australian Defence Force personnel to assist the clean-up effort, through Operation Yasi Assist.
More information about the assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au
Declared Disaster Areas
Cyclone Yasi declared disaster areas are listed here.
If you are not sure whether your area has been included, please check this webpage. If you believe your property has been affected by the disaster but is not within the listed local government areas, you can fill out an Individually Declared Disaster Stricken Property Declaration. The form can be found here.
Natural Disaster Assistance for Primary Producers
QRAA are also providing $250 000 concessional loans to primary producers in the Council areas listed above. Finance can be obtained for requirements including:
-
Replanting/restoration/reestablishment of affected areas
-
Sustenance
-
Essential property operations
-
Payment of rent, rates
-
Replacement of farm buildings
-
Restocking
Primary producers can find information here. Small business can find information here. For further information and to download the application forms and other information please visit and look to the right hand side of the QRAA web site or call 1800 623 946.
The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy
The Government will extend additional support for eligible employees, small businesses and farmers who can demonstrate a loss of income as a direct result of Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy is a fortnightly payment of up to the maximum rate of existing Newstart Allowance for a period of 13 weeks.
For eligibility information and the forms please click here or call Centrelink on 180 22 66.
Emergency Assistance Grant (not income and assets tested)
Provides assistance for immediate, unexpected needs such as temporary accommodation, food, essential clothing and medication. Eligible applicants will receive:
-
$170 for individuals
-
$340 for couples
-
$510 for families of three
-
$680 for families of four, or
-
$850 for families of five or more.
To access this grant please call 1800 173 349 or to apply visit your nearest Local Recovery Centre.
Locations of the Local Recovery Centres can be found here.
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be provided to eligible people affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
The payment is up to $1000 for each adult and $400 for each child.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply for the payment please click here or contact 180 22 66.
Premiers Disaster Relief Fund
This grant is a non-means tested one-off payment of $2,000 per adult and $1,000 per child.
You may be eligible to apply for funds from the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal if:
-
the damaged residence was your home that you lived in at the time of the flooding, regardless of whether you own or rent the property
-
the damaged residence was flooded internally above the level of the floor in the living areas making your home uninhabitable
-
you will find it hard to recover from the impact of the floods without financial assistance.
For more information click here or call 180 22 66.
Personal Hardship Grant
Growers can access up to $170 per person or $850 for a family of five or more for food, clothing, medical supplies or accommodation caused by the disaster.
To apply for the grant growers are asked to call 1800 173 349 to be passed through to their local contact. Alternatively, if you are able to, you can present at one of the Local Recovery Centres. Locations can be found here.
Local outreach teams have also been activated for areas that do not have access to the Local Recovery Centres and are accessed through the 1800 173 349 call centre.
Locations of the Local Recovery Centres can be found here.
Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant (income and assets tested)
Provides home owners who are unable to claim insurance or are uninsured with a refund for the cost of safely reconnecting electricity, gas, water, sewage services and septic systems damaged by the disaster. If you are eligible, you may receive:
-
Up to $200 for Safety inspections for pre inspection of electricity, gas, water, sewage services and septic systems damaged by the disaster.
-
Up to $4 200 for reinstating electricity, gas, water, sewage and septic systems
Safety inspection payments will be refunded to the home owner. Reinstatement costs will be paid directly to the repairer by the Department of Communities.
If you have already claimed or been assessed for an Essential Household Contents Grant or Structural Assistance Grant simply send receipts or invoices for inspections, repairs and materials to Grants Processing, Community Recovery, GPO Box 806 Brisbane 4001.
For more information call 1800 173 349 or download the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant fact sheet. To apply visit your nearest Community Recovery Centre. Locations of the Local Recovery Centres can be found here.
Mortgage relief
If you're experiencing difficulties with your home loan repayments as a result of recent Queensland natural disasters, you may be eligible for short-term assistance through a Mortgage Relief Loan.
For more information call 07 3224 7202 or download Mortgage Relief Loan fact sheets.
Essential Household Contents Grant (income and assets tested)
Provides assistance to replace household contents that have been lost or damaged in the recent natural disasters. If eligible, applicants will have departmental officers visit their home to assess the damage and to complete an application form. Eligible applicants may receive:
-
Up to $1,705 for individuals, or
-
Up to $5,120 for couples/families.
For more information about this grant please click here.
Structural Assistance Grant (income and assets tested)
Provides funding for the repair of residences to make it secure and safe to live in. The home must be owned by the applicant and their sole place of residence at the time of the disaster. If you are eligible, departmental officers will visit your home to assess the damage and to complete an application form with you.
Enquiries in relation to this assistance should be directed to the Queensland Department of Communities on 1800 173 349 or visit the community recovery support and assistance page (Queensland Government's Community Services website)
Managing Avocado Orchards Affected by Wet Weather: January 2011
Principles of Phytophthora root rot
management in established orchards
Using Phosphonates Effectively to Control
Phytophthora Root Rot in Avocados
Government funding for flood relief
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
The AGDRP is a one-off payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child under 16 years.
This payment is available:
-
If your residence has sustained major damage or been destroyed
-
If you or a child you care for has been seriously injured.
-
If your family has experienced a death as a result of the disaster
-
If you have been restricted from accessing or leaving your residence for more the 24 hours
-
If you have been without services such as water, sewage, electricity or others for over 48 hours
More information can be found here or by calling 180 22 66.
Special disaster flood assistance grants QLD
The Queensland Government is providing flood assistance grants through Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA). Small businesses and primary producers in the following Local Government Areas will be eligible for up to $25,000: Eligible Local Government areas are being updated daily.
-
Tier 1 grants of up to $5000 will be immediately available to assist with the early recovery effort.
-
Tier 2 grants of up to $20,000 will be provided on proof of expenditure. With the Tier 1 grants included, assistance up to a total of $25,000 will be available
SDFAS writable application form's for primary producers and small business owners can be found here.
For further details visit the QRAA web site or call 1800 623 946.
Natural Disaster Assistance for Primary Producers QLD
QRAA are also providing $250,000 concessional loans to primary producers in affected areas.
Finance can be obtained for requirements including:
-
Replanting/restoration/re-establishment of affected areas
-
Sustenance
-
Essential property operations
-
Payment of rent, rates
-
Replacement of farm buildings
-
Restocking
Primary producers can find information here.
Small business can find information here.
For further information and to download the application forms and other information please visit and look to the right hand side of the QRAA web site or call 1800 623 946.
Centrelink Assistance
The Australian Government is providing support for farmers and their employees who have lost income as a direct result of the floods crisis. The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy is a fortnightly payment of up to the maximum rate of existing Newstart Allowance for a period of 13 weeks. The subsidy will be available to those who have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the flooding and are not currently receiving, or eligible for, any other income support payment.
For more information or to claim the Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy, growers need to contact the Australian Government Emergency Information line on 180 22 66 to register their details.
For further information, visit Centerlink or contact Centrelink on 180 22 66.
Freight Subsidies QLD
Growers are able to access up to $5000 of subsidies on freight for the transport of water, building, fencing, equipment, machinery and fuel as well as other items.
The guidelines and application forms can be accessed through the DPI web site.
Natural Disaster Relief Scheme NSW (administered by Rural Assistance Authority)
Funding by way of loan to a maximum of $130,000 is available for essential working capital (the amount required to continue normal business operations for the next twelve months or until the next major income is received.) and Replacement and repair of damage caused to the property and associated improvements not covered by insurance (Assistance does not cover costs unrelated to the business enterprise or commitments overdue at the time of the disaster, such as trading accounts, lease or hire purchase instalments, interest on borrowings or loan repayments.)
The Assistance is not compensatory and does not cover loss of trade or income. The interest rate is a concessional rate of interest (currently 2.77 per cent), fixed for the term of the loan. Please contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 for current rates.
A repayment term of up to ten years dependent upon the amount borrowed and applicant’s ability to repay. The repayment term is preceded by a two-year interest and repayment free period. Monthly, half-yearly or annual repayments of principle and interest generally in line with applicants cash flow.
Security is registered mortgage over land, not necessarily a first mortgage. Other security, including a mortgage from another person may be considered.
To be eligible for the Assistance you must: earn the majority of your GROSS income from Primary Production, Be in working occupation of the farm, Be within an area declared a natural disaster, Be in urgent and genuine need of financial assistance, demonstrate that if the assistance were obtained commercially your farm business enterprise would be placed in financial difficulty, Demonstrate that your farm business enterprise has long term viability, Demonstrate that you have the capacity to repay the loan, Lodge an application within 6 months of the date of the disaster.
Rural Assistance Authority:
Phone 1800 678 593 Inquiries may be directed to any bank which will forward applications to the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.
Applications are available at
http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/reader/loans
Small business (NSW)
Loans of up to $130,000 are available at a concessional rate of 2.77 per cent to small businesses affected by disasters and which meet certain eligibility criteria.
Rural Assistance Authority on
1800 678 593
Personal Hardship Grant
Growers can access up to $170 per person or $850 for a family of five or more for food, clothing, medical supplies or accommodation caused by the disaster.
To apply for the grant growers are asked to call 1800 173 349 to be passed through to their local contact. Alternatively, if you are able to, you can present at one of the
Local outreach teams have also been activated for areas that do not have access to the Local Recovery Centres and are accessed through the 1800 173 349 call centre.
Essential Household Contents Grant
Growers that have had their household contents damaged or destroyed can access a once off payment of up to $1705 per adult and up to $5120 for a couple or family. This grant is means tested and can be accessed in the same way as the Personal Hardship Grant (details above).
Structural Assistance Grant
Growers who have suffered structure damage to their homes are eligible for a once off payment of up to $10,500 per adult and a maximum of $14,200 for a couple or family. This grant is also means tested and can be accessed in the same way as the Personal Hardship Grant (details above).
Other assistance:
Australian Tax Office
The Australian Tax Office is granting extensions and assistance to growers who have lost their business records at no cost to those affected by the disaster.
Growers are encouraged to call 1800 806 218 or visit www.ato.gov.au for more information
Application for an Individually Declared Disaster Stricken Property Declaration
Growers outside of the designated disaster regions that have been affected locally by floods and heavy rainfall may be able to have their property individually declared.
The application form can be accessed by visiting the DPI web site.
Legal Aid for Insurance Claims
Legal Aid Queensland provides specific assistance to anyone who is having difficulties in claiming insurance after flooding. An information fact sheet with information and contact numbers is available here.
The Rural Financial Counsellors may also be of assistance to growers during this difficult time.
Contact details for a counsellor in your area can be sourced from the DAFF web site.
Donate:
Donations to the disaster relief appeal can be made online at www.qld.gov.au/floods
Donations can also be made in person at any branch of the Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac,
ANZ, BOQ, Suncorp, St George Bank or BankSA, or at Coles supermarkets.
Call 1800 219 028 to donate using your credit card.
Account Name: Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal
BSB: 064 013
Account number: 1000 6800
SWIFT code for international donations: CTBAAU2S
Avocado and other Horticultural Growers
If you operate your business as a company, and employ people, you will be subject to the new Horticulture Award in 2010.
You should consider your options now!
Can you afford a potential 25% plus increase to your wages bill?
From 1st January the new Horticulture Industry Award may mean:
- 25% casual loading
- 40% loading on casual pieceworkers
- 200% penalty rates for all Sunday work
- Monday – Friday 6am to 6pm span of hours of packing house workers (with all hours outside this span payable at 150% and 200%
- Four levels of ‘leading hand’ allowances
Don’t let the Federal Government dictate your future. A workplace agreement will give you certainty for the next four years.
AMIA and Avocados Australia have worked with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIQ) to develop Workplace Agreement templates for your business, wherever you are located in Australia.
CCIQ is offering all horticultural companies the opportunity to develop enterprise Agreements for their businesses.
Continue to operate your business under your current state award conditions (with the exception of base rate of pay which is determined federally).
Get four years access to flexibility that will be lost under the New Modern Award as of the 1 January 2010.
For more information on the changes between the current State based NAPSA for each state (except for Victoria)
Price:
AMIA and Avocados Australia members:
$1265 (inc GST)*
Other horticulture growers:
$1595 (inc GST)*
*This provides you with the Enterprise Agreement suitable for your business and 1.5 hours of CCIQ consultation time (phone), including lodgement.
If you require amendments to the standard agreement, to suit your business, additional consultation fees will apply.
ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS
WHAT IS AN AGREEMENT?
An Agreement is a legally approved arrangement between all employees and the employer that sets out terms and conditions of employment.
An Agreement replaces any award that would otherwise apply to the employee. Moving forward with the
implementation of an Agreement would remove workplaces from the provisions of the new Federal Horticultural Award.
An Enterprise Agreement may:
-
provide four years of certainty
-
provide an opportunity for ‘voluntary hours’
-
provide an opportunity for employees to bank time
-
provide greater workplace flexibility
-
minimise labour costs
-
legalize existing arrangements
-
provide a safeguard against wage claims
To find more out about Enterprise Agreements and how they can be implemented in your business download a fact sheet
To better understand the step by step process of implementing an Enterprise Agreement download a flow chart of the process
Click here to initiate and Enterprise Agreement for your business:
www.hortagreements.com.au
To discuss options phone Antony Allen, Avocados Australia on 0438 132 477 or Trevor Dunmall, AMIA on 0400 808 689
Mandatory Horticulture Code of Conduct
The Horticulture Code of Conduct is a mandatory code under Section 51AE of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and as such, has the force of law. The code’s aim is to improve the transparency and clarity of transactions between growers and wholesalers of fresh fruit and vegetables. The code also provides for independent assessment of transactions and low cost mediation of disputes.
The code was developed to address the lack of commercial transparency in grower/wholesaler transactions. The Government decided to develop the code after growers and wholesalers failed to agree on voluntary arrangements for transparency.
The code will benefit growers and wholesalers by improving business practices in the fruit and vegetable wholesale sector. Growers will also benefit from better information about how wholesalers buy and sell their produce.
Date |
Name |
|
PDF |
Other |
20 Mar 2007 |
Overview of the Horticulture Code |
|
 195Kb
|
|
| 20 Mar 2007 |
Guide to the Horticulture Code |
|
381Kb |
|
| |
| Now Available - Templates for the Code of Conduct |
| 20 April 2007 |
Information Brochure |
|
264Kb |
|
| 20 April 2007 |
Terms of Trade |
|
201Kb |
|
| 20 April 2007 |
Horticulture Produce Agreement |
|
|
 71Kb |
To download a copy of the Regulations, Explanatory documents, Fact Sheets (for growers or traders), visit the following websites:
DAFF website: www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/hort-wine/hort-policy/code-of-conduct
ACCC website on: www.accc.gov.au/industrycodes
Produce & Grocery Code of Conduct
The Produce and Grocery Industry Code of Conduct is a voluntary Code providing the principles of best practice for all industry participants in the produce and grocery industry supply chain. The aim of the Code is: Promoting fair trading practices and building better business relationships.
The Code also provides access to a dispute resolution procedure for any individuals or groups seeking to resolve a trading dispute. For more information visit: www.produceandgrocerycode.com.au
The Code provides mediation services to all industry participants through the Produce and Grocery Industry (PGI) Ombudsman service. Mediation services aim to minimise litigation costs when business transactions are not satisfactory to one or all parties involved. For more information, Freecall 1800 206 385 or visit: www.produceandgroceryombudsman.com.au