Primary producers in Queensland’s North West will receive local, personalised support to tackle drought and improve business profitability as QRAA opens a ninth regional office based in Cloncurry this month.
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Local Janessa Bidgood has been appointed to the newly established role of Regional Area Manager for the North West and Gulf.
Ms Bidgood is already known to many producers in the area as her family is well recognised in grazing, real estate and rodeo circles.
While talking to local producers, Ms Bidgood has been busy discussing Farm Management Grants.
“This is a rebate of up to 50 per cent of an amount paid on any financial or legal advice in regards to succession planning,” she said.
“If families are looking at moving a property over to their children or incorporate children in the business, they can take advantage of up to $2500 per financial year to assit with those costs.
“It is something producers should look into if they are looking at doing it now or in the near future, this goes until June 30 2019.”
QRAA Chief Executive Officer, Cameron MacMillan, says he is thrilled that producers in the region –previously serviced from QRAA’s offices in Longreach, Emerald and Innisfail – will now have dedicated local support when seeking the organisation’s services.
“Applying for finance can be daunting, so being able to turn to someone in your area who can break down the requirements, discuss the eligibility criteria and walk you through the application step-by-step is invaluable,” he said.
“Now, North West and Gulf producers will be able to meet with Janessa - a local who understands their area and business to help them take advantage of QRAA’s low interest loans and assistance.”
Mr MacMillan said that with recent changes to QRAA’s low-interest finance schemes and the drive of the Cloncurry community, the town was a natural fit for the organisation’s newest base.
“In late 2016, the maximum amounts available under our First Start and Sustainability Loans were raised to $1.3 million and $2 million respectively,” he said.
“This boost has made our loans more attractive and relevant in regions like North West Queensland where properties are larger and essential investments – from improvements to family succession - can be costlier.”
“The addition of a ninth office also means that our existing QRAA regional network can more readily cover their areas and provide prompt service to our clients and other Queenslanders.”
Also joining the team is John Lacey, as the new Regional Area Manager for Capricornia, based in Rockhampton.
John comes to QRAA after several years as a Rural Financial Counsellor in Biloela.
Other Regional Area Managers are based in Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Mackay, Innisfail, Emerald (with an office in Longreach) and Roma.
In addition to First Start and Sustainability Loans, Regional Area Managers can help graziers to apply for QRAA’s Drought Assistance Concessional Loans, which provide up to $1 million to restructure debt, cover carry-on costs and restock following the region’s recently improved conditions.
Producers interested in making an appointment with their local Regional Area Manager to discuss funding can find contact details and more at www.qraa.qld.gov.au.