FNQ tourism businesses can build back better under $10 million resilient infrastructure program

Following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall over FNQ in December 2023, impacted local tourism operators can now apply for grants up to $250,000 to get back on their feet as soon as possible and future-proof for future storms and floods.

The $10 million Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure program allows operators whose businesses were severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December to build back better with flood-resilient infrastructure.

Business owners can use the funding to buy plant and equipment like battery storage or a water extraction system, raise equipment above known flood levels, or carry out other safety upgrades.

By investing in measures that will lessen the impacts of future weather events, businesses and the wider community will be safer and more resilient when the next disaster strikes.

Eligible operators must be located in the LGAs of Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal or Yarrabah.

A dedicated tourism recovery officer has also been recruited by Tourism Tropical North Queensland to provide support to affected operators.

The Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

It's part of a $29.25 million DRFA commitment to FNQ tourism recovery following ex-TC Jasper.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Far North Queensland, and having a strong, resilient tourism industry is fundamental to the local economy.

Unfortunately tourism operators across the region have experienced time and again the devastating impacts of extended closures due to severe weather. They know the sooner their business can reopen the more likely it is to survive long-term.

Grant guidelines are available via Queensland's Department of Tourism and Sport, with tourism businesses and not-for-profits both eligible to apply.

For more information about this and other Queensland tourism funding programs please visit www.dtis.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds