A priority ask from the Hinchinbrook Recovery Group has today been answered, with extraordinary disaster recovery packages worth more than $50 million now available through joint funding by Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.
Supporting North Queensland’s ongoing recovery from last month’s devastating floods the latest Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), includes:
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$30 million Sport and Recreational Community Facilities Recovery Program to rebuild and carry out repairs on flood impacted sport and rec facilities.
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$20 million Community and Recreational Assets Recovery Program a grants-based program to repair and rebuild affected community facilities.
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Previously announced $25,000 Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants will also increase to $75,000 for primary producers and $50,000 for small businesses and not-for-profits.
Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
“Today’s announcement will help restore community and recreational infrastructure. We want to help get communities back on their feet and this is an important step."
“North and Far North Queensland farmers are so important to the region and local economy. Today we are tripling the grant available to primary producers to help get recovery started."
“I want to thank local leaders and industry for their work as the impact has been assessed. These increase will mean more funding for stock feed, repair works and debris removal.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy
“An uplift to recovery grants would be welcome news for primary producers, small business and not-for-profits."
“The Crisafulli Government has been working arm in arm with operators and industry bodies and we’ve now moved to increase Disaster Recovery Grants across eligible north Queensland LGAs.”
“This includes boosting grants for primary producers to $75,000, and for small business and not-for-profits to $50,000 to get them back on their feet and local economies moving again.”
Queensland Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last
“Queensland agencies are on the ground listening and delivering. The TV cameras might have gone down south, but we’re with North Queensland for the long run."
“The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority is well prepared for this significant uplift, with staff in North Queensland ready to assist eligible producers, small businesses and not-for-profits.”
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith
“We welcome today’s announcement from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, providing much-needed grant support for businesses still recovering from last month’s flooding. This funding is a critical step in helping local businesses and primary producers get back on their feet.”
“The economic impacts from this event were immediate but are long lasting, with estimated economic loss to be in excess of $M across the Townsville North Queensland. Recovery efforts must continue to support affected businesses and communities.”
“It’s encouraging to see North Queensland remain a priority, even as attention is drawn to events in the South East. This commitment must continue as our region works to rebuild and recover.”
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo
“We are in Brisbane today with Townsville Enterprise and the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) to personally thank the Government for its commitment to our region’s recovery. This support is crucial in helping communities get back on their feet.”
“The recent flooding in the Hinchinbrook LGA has been the most severe in decades, leaving widespread and long-lasting impacts. Additional funding is not just welcomed—it is a vital lifeline for our region’s businesses, primary producers, and local community as they navigate the road to recovery.”
“Recovery efforts are ongoing, and we are here in Brisbane this week to ensure Hinchinbrook builds back stronger. Our focus remains on securing the necessary support to drive long-term resilience and safeguard our region’s future.”
Find more information at the Queensland Reconstruction Authority
