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Federal Government provides $4 million for Equine Influenza fund

“With the ban on horse movements in New South Wales and Queensland continuing indefinitely, employees and small business operators who rely on income from horse-dependent industries may require emergency financial assistance.

“The grants will be delivered by peak bodies Racing NSW and Queensland Racing, and provided to people experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the outbreak. Given the state-wide coverage of both these organisations, they are ideally placed to administer the grant monies on behalf of the Australian Government,” Mr McGauran said.

“Racing New South Wales will receive $2.5 million and Queensland Racing will receive
$1.5 million to distribute to individuals both within the racing industry as well as non-racing, horse-dependent employees and business owners.

“Grants will be provided to assist individuals and businesses whose income is horse-dependent, and require immediate financial assistance. This includes individuals and businesses outside of the racing industry, such as trail ride operators, horse drawn vehicle operators and horse transport services,” Mr McGauran said.

“The national standstill is vital in containing and eradicating EI, allowing important surveillance and tracing that will help in halting this highly contagious disease.

“However, the Government recognises the financial burden that this standstill may be placing on individuals and small business operators in the racing industry," Mr McGauran said.

“The grants of up to $1500 are not compensation for lost earnings - they are emergency relief funds, for people in acute financial difficulty, resulting from the outbreak of EI.”