The Gympie office of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Southern Queensland is supporting flood-hit primary producers in the Gympie region to restore their farm businesses by simplifying the complex and time-consuming flood recovery process.
With the flood waters now receded and the sheer scale and impact of the destruction now laid bare, many primary producers in the Gympie region are facing the daunting flood recovery process.
Rural Financial Counsellor Derk Abberfield is a Gympie local and understands first-hand from living in the community the impact that the flood has had on the region.
RFCS Southern Queensland Chief Executive Officer Ross Leggett explained it’s often difficult for primary producers to know where to start after a flooding disaster.
“With many organisations offering funding assistance and support, it’s not always easy for primary producers to find out what funding is available and
eligibility criteria can be complicated. Sometimes, understanding all of the available support can feel overwhelming.”
The RFCS Southern Queensland provides primary producers free, impartial and confidential assistance with flood recovery.
“Derk Abberfield has a detailed understanding of the flood recovery process and can provide on the ground help for primary producers to identify and access available funding in the Gympie region,” Mr Leggett said.
For many primary producers, the flood recovery process can take a long time.
“The financial position of the farm business could be impacted for more than 12 months after the flooding event. We can help primary producers understand their financial position, develop an effective recovery plan and support them in discussions with banks and creditors where needed,” Mr Leggett said.
“We’re also here for primary producers in the long-term to help them rebuild their farm business stronger to ensure they are better prepared for the future and have increased farm business resilience.”
Primary producers can learn more about available flood recovery assistance and the support that Derk Abberfield can provide by visiting www.rfcssq.org.au/flood .
