Coronavirus (COVID-19) support for commercial fishers

We are working with commercial fishers impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).

Queensland Government commercial fishing industry assistance

If your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, you may be eligible for financial assistance or other types of relief from the Queensland and Australian governments, plus Queensland local councils. Use the coronavirus (COVID-19) business assistance finder to discover what support is available.

Market diversification and resilience grants

Round 2 of the MDRG program (MDRG-Fisheries) closed on Friday 28 August 2020 at 5pm. It is targeted at commercial fishing, charter fishing and aquaculture businesses.

Applications are being competitively assessed by the Market Diversification and Resilience Grants Program team.

For further information, contact the Market Diversification and Resilience Grants Program team on 13 25 23 or email FisheriesGrants@daf.qld.gov.au.

Rural Financial Counselling Service

The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free financial advice to producers who are suffering financial hardship and have no alternative sources of impartial financial information. The service is funded by grants from government to local organisations that employ financial counsellors.

Contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service in the following areas:

• southern Queensland – phone (07) 4622 5500
• North Queensland – phone (07) 4652 5669.

Wellbeing support

If you are experiencing personal crisis, or are concerned for a loved one, you can phone the following services for assistance and counselling:

• Australian Red Cross on 1300 554 419
• 24/7 Lifeline crisis support line on 13 11 14
• Beyondblue on 1300 224 636.

The Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors can also provide advice on additional services and non-government organisations available to help affected individuals, families and communities. This includes a network of Neighbourhood Centres and Community Support Services across Queensland.

Contact: 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for more information.

Further information

Contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 for more information on the assistance available.