FARMS and tourism businesses facing an overwhelming clean-up on their properties following Cyclone Yasi can register for help under the Operation Clean Up Queensland program.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin said many properties and small businesses between Ingham and Innisfail, west into Charters Towers, Etheridge and Flinders and parts of the Atherton Tablelands, were virtually paralysed because of the huge amount of debris preventing them from recovering and operating normally.

"We are urging all affected businesses in these regions to contact Operation Clean Up Queensland right now on 13 25 23 to determine their eligibility for assistance," Mr Mulherin said.

"Help is on the way to remove debris from properties and get vital agricultural and tourism industries back on their feet.

"When you call Operation Clean Up, provide your details. If your property is eligible for assistance, a job will be logged and the work will be carried out according to priority.

"High priority will be given in emergency cases where human safety and animal welfare are a concern.

Operation Clean Up Queensland manager Russell Gilmour said work is about to get underway and urged people to log their job now.

"We will be working with industry recovery officers, local governments and natural resource management groups to prioritise clean-up jobs over the next six months," said Mr Gilmour.

"Our work teams are mobilising now. They will work with professional contractors to clear debris from land and waterways, and to provide urgent temporary relief measures such as generator hire for those businesses without access to mains power for an extended period.

"Employees who are unable to work because their employers have been affected by the cyclone can apply for work placement with the Operation Clean Up teams by phoning DEEDI toll-free on 13 25 23."

Operation Clean U p is part of the joint $20 million Commonwealth-Queensland Rural Resilience Fund announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard on February 17 to help fast-track industry recovery.

Eligible regions include - Cassowary and Hinchinbrook local government areas and parts of the Tablelands, Charters Towers, Etheridge and Flinders shires.

The part regions are defined as:

• Tablelands Regional Council - east of the Sundown-Springfield Road and Gingerella-Fossilbrook Rds from the southern boundary of the Tablelands Regional Council to Almaden. South of the Burke Developmental and Mareeba Dimbulah Rds from Almaden to Mareeba and south of the Kennedy Hwy running east to the Tablelands Regional Council boundary. Primary producers and small business owners who reside in the Mareeba Dimbulah Irrigation Area (MDIA) may also be eligible.

• Charters Towers Regional Council - north of latitude 20 degrees, 12 minutes south between the Flinders Shire border a nd the Pentlands - Gregory Springs Road, and north of a line following down the Basalt River, up the Burdekin River and the Star River, and north of the Harvey Range Road between the Star River and the Townsville Regional Council border.

• Etheridge Shire Council - south of the Gulf Developmental Road, and including Inorunie Station.

• Flinders Shire Council - north of latitude 20 degrees, 12 minutes south.

Operation Clean Up is modelled on the successful Operation Farm Clear led by the Department of Primary Industries following Cyclone Larry.

For more information call 13 25 23.

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