February 24, 2015
Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank Australia has called on any clients impacted by damage caused by Cyclones Marcia or Lam to contact the bank for assistance where required.
Rabobank general manager Rural Australia Peter Knoblanche said the bank would work directly with clients in affected areas to help support them through current difficulties.
"While it is still too early to gauge the full impact of the damages caused by the cyclone on agricultural areas, the bank is hopeful that damage is reasonably contained," Mr Knoblanche said.
Mr Knoblanche said Rabobank clients in applicable circumstances would be eligible for a range of support measures.
These include:
- deferral of scheduled loan repayments
- waiving of break costs on early redemption of Farm Management Deposits
- waiving of fees on loan increases necessary to assist in rebuilding operations and
- waiving of fees for equipment finance contract variations.
Mr Knoblanche said, at this stage, it was still too early to establish the extent of losses to farm land and infrastructure.
"There has been some damage to infrastructure on farms in the district and isolated flooding for others, however, with the exception on one, we are pleased to be able to report that all of the clients that we have spoken to so far have been spared major damage," he said.
"For many in the district, power remains unavailable due to fallen power lines. At this point, it is uncertain when this will be restored."
Rabobank staff in all cyclone-affected areas had been making personal contact with clients to check on their wellbeing and offer assistance and support wherever possible, Mr Knoblanche said.
Rabobank has asked any impacted clients who have concerns and had not yet spoken to the bank to contact their local branch or phone Rabobank on 1800 025 484.
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world's leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 115 years' experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and operates in 41 countries, servicing the needs of approximately 10 million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1600 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia & New Zealand is one of Australasia's leading rural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the region's food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 94 branches throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Media contacts:
Denise Shaw
Media Relations
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand
Phone: 02 8115 2744 or 0439 603 525
Email:
denise.shaw@rabobank.com
Jess Webb
Media Relations
Rabobank Australia & New Zealand
Phone: 07 3115 1832 or 0418 216 103
Email:
jess.webb@rabobank.com