$88 million to strengthen Queensland regions against disasters

31 July 2025

Local councils across Queensland will receive financial assistance to deliver crucial infrastructure improvements under a program to safeguard regional and remote communities across the state.

An $88 million joint investment by the Australian and Queensland Governments will bolster resilience against severe weather events and improve connectivity for some of the state’s most isolated areas.

Under the Crucial Access Links Program, councils will be supported to repair and upgrade key assets such as airstrips, boat ramps, seaports, and access routes. 

These upgrades will ensure communities can remain connected and receive essential supplies during natural disasters, such as cyclones and floods.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has worked in close collaboration with councils to identify and prioritise 15 high-impact projects through Regional Resilience Strategies and Local Resilience Action Plans.

The program reflects the importance of proactive, smart investments in disaster preparation, leveraging lessons learned from past events including the devastating floods to hit much of the north, far north and western regions this year. 

By strengthening critical access points and transport linkages, the Crucial Access Links Program is ensuring rural and remote communities remain safe, supported, and connected in the face of future extreme weather events.

Funded through efficiencies realised under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the program highlights the commitment to building resilience and backing Queensland’s regions, creating a safer and more connected future for all.

Crucial Access Links projects:

  • Balonne Shire Council: St George Aerodrome upgrade - $557,000
  • Bulloo Shire Council: Noccundra Airstrip upgrade - $3.51 million
  • Carpentaria Shire Council: Port of Karumba business case - $550,000
  • Central Highlands Regional Council: Rolleston Airstrip water supply and firefighting appliances - $300,000
  • Douglas Shire Council: Daintree Ferry landing - $8.5 million
  • Etheridge Shire Council: Georgetown Airstrip and Sandy Creek upgrade - $3 million
  • Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council: Everlina Bridge flood immunity upgrade - $5.43 million
  • Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council: Hope Vale Airstrip flood immunity upgrade - $5.13 million
  • Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council: Kowanyama Aerodrome infrastructure rehabilitation - $7.95 million
  • Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council: Lockhart River chlorine dosing and analysing system and self bunded fuel storage tank upgrade - $714,000
  • Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council: Mapoon Airstrip upgrade - $2 million
  • Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council: Northern Peninsula Airport runway upgrade - $18.16 million
  • Quilpie Shire Council: Quilpie Airport upgrade - $11.6 million
  • Richmond Shire Council: Richmond Airstrip upgrade - $13.1 million
  • Torres Strait Island Regional Council: Boigu Island Airport apron upgrade - $7.5 million