Queensland cattle farmers urged to contact their banks
Queensland cattle farmers affected by flooding are being urged to contact their banks by the Australian Banking Association (ABA).
The Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh said Australia’s banks stood "ready to help" farmers, including cattle farmers, who have been devastated by floods over the last few days and urged anyone needing assistance to contact their bank directly.
“After suffering through an extensive drought, many Queensland Cattle farmers have now been cruelly devastated by these floods,” Ms Bligh said.
“Banks stand ready to help cattle farmers and others affected by these floods and other natural disasters through deferred loan repayments, waiving fees and other arrangements.
“Banks have dedicated hardship teams ready to assist, however it’s important that customers contact their bank directly to flag they are experiencing hardship,” she said.
Services on offer to customers who have been affected by natural disasters or other circumstances beyond their control can include:
- A deferral of scheduled loan repayments
- Waiving fees and charges, including break costs on early redemption of Farm Management Deposits
- Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable
- Restructuring existing loans free of the usual establishment fees
- Deferring interest payments on a case-by-case basis
- Offering additional finance to help cover cash flow shortages
- Deferring upcoming credit card payments
- Increasing emergency credit card limits
- Waiving early termination fees for customers who wish to access their term deposits.