Bushfire farms eligible for interest-free loans

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) today welcomed the announcement of interest-free loans for businesses affected as a result of the January bushfires.

The state government has made available two-year interest free loans of up to $500,000 to help these businesses (including farms) get back on their feet.

The loans cover repairing and replacing damaged plant, equipment, buildings and other infrastructure on properties in the Sorell, Tasman, Glamorgan-Spring Bay and Ellendale areas.

“Farmers were among those hardest hit by the fires,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today.

“Yet people seldom regard them as businesses. They are businesses, like any other and in a natural event like a bushfire their businesses are vulnerable.”

Farmers wishing to apply for the loans can contact Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026 or email

Further information can also be found on the Department of Economic Development website

Earlier this month, the TFGA began distributing money to farmers from two funds: the $100,000 from the bushfire relief fund administered by the state government and more than $100,000 from the TFGA’s Bushfire Donation Fund.

“Tasmanians were shocked at the ferocity of the fires and the havoc they caused,” Ms Davis said. “They have been amazingly generous. Farmers affected by the fires have really appreciated this support. ”
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis