Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin today welcomed the Prime Minister's approval of Category C assistance of grants up to $25,000 for communities in South West Queensland affected by flooding.

Mr Mulherin said the Premier wrote to the Prime Minister on Sunday requesting the assistance for the regional council areas of Balonne, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Maranoa, Murweh and Paroo.

"Eligible primary producers, small businesses and not for profit organisations in these areas will now be able to apply for the grants up to $25,000," Mr Mulherin said.

"Flooding has occurred at levels above historical records in river systems in these areas and there is significant damage to many small businesses and agriculture enterprises.

"These grants are designed to enable community recovery for those severely affected by disaster events.

"This targeted assistance will go a long way in helping these small businesses, primar y producers and not for profit organisations repair essential infrastructure so they can get their businesses back up and running as soon as possible."

Mr Mulherin said Category C assistance of grants up to $25,000 are now available from QRAA in two tiers:

• Tier 1 - grants of up to $5,000 to assist primary producers, small businesses and not for profit organisations with immediate early recovery (subject to future QRAA audit)
• Tier 2 - grants of up to $20,000 to recover costs that the primary producer, small businesses and not for profit organisations have paid in order to repair direct flood damage.