State and Federal Government announce extra $100M disaster relief for North Queensland

Townsville Enterprise welcomes the State and Federal Government's swift response in today announcing $100 million in grants that are now available for flood-affected primary producers, small businesses, and selected charity agencies across North Queensland.

This funding represents the next round of disaster assistance activated by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments to support recovery and resilience in communities impacted by recent flooding.

Today's announcement comes following our call for Government support to industry and build back better post-flooding.

The package activated today includes:

• $72.7 million grants package for flood-affected primary producers in North Queensland.

• $25 million grants package for small businesses and not-for-profit agencies impacted by the North Queensland floods.

• $2.4 million Rural Landholder Grants for owners or lessees of at least 10 hectares of flood-affected land.

• $1 million Emergency Fodder Support for eligible primary producers.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith welcomed the announcement, stating:

“Today's funding announcement provides a critical lifeline for farmers, small businesses, and charities organisations across our region. After hearing from our business community, it was clear that targeted support was essential to help industries recover. We thank both levels of government for this swift response.”

“This disaster has meant hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses across the region with severe impacts on the construction, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture sectors. It is encouraging to see direct financial support is starting to flow to those most affected.”

“We continue to have positive discussions with government regarding further recovery support, particularly for the tourism industry. More than $40 million in cancelled bookings and over 11,000 negative media articles reaching 160 million people have significantly impacted our region’s tourism sector. Destination promotion will be key to restoring confidence and attracting visitors back to North Queensland."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“These are tough times, but North Queenslanders are tougher."

“My Government is making sure we’re providing whatever resources are required, right now and into the future as these communities recover.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli:

“Our focus is getting North Queensland back on its feet – fast."

“We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those affected by the disaster to ensure they can recover quickly and come back stronger than ever.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Small Business Julie Collins:

“These grants will help reduce clean up and recovery costs for North Queensland small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations who were impacted by recent flooding." 

"Grants like this can make all the difference in helping to ensure impacted North Queensland farmers and small businesses can get back on their feet faster."

“Farmers and small businesses are at the heart of local communities so this funding is critical.” 

Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

“Farmers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations are central to the North Queensland community, and we know that heavy rainfall and severe flooding has made operations very difficult.”

“The grants activated today will support businesses and farmers as the region moved to recovery, it will help farmers feed stock, and repair damage."

“Recovery can take time. Our government is here for the long haul. The Albanese Government will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support communities in Far North and North Queensland.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy:

"Small rural landholders in North Queensland would not be left to fend for themselves on the road to recovery."

“Rural Landholders that have suffered direct damage from the event can also access grants of up to $10,000 to speed up their recovery.”

Queensland Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last:

"The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority is well prepared, with staff on the ground ready to assist."

“These grants are being administered by QRIDA who have dedicated people ready to speak to primary producers, small businesses, not for profits and rural landholders about their applications and provide help where needed.”

For grant applications, contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

Primary producers wishing to access the Emergency Fodder Support Package should contact the Department of Primary industries on 13 25 23.

More on DRFA assistance is availableat www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qra.qld.gov.au.