Disaster assistance expanded and extended across Queensland

Flood-affected residents in North Burnett, as well as more areas of Bundaberg, Gladstone and Western Downs, can now access Personal Hardship Assistance payments of $180 for individuals, up to $900 for a family of five or more to cover the costs of emergency essentials.

An extension of time to access this assistance has also been given to eligible residents in Banana, Barcaldine, Bundaberg, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Douglas, Flinders, Gladstone, North Burnett and Western Downs. 

Applications are now open until 27 April 2026.

Queenslanders can check their eligibility for Personal Hardship Assistance and apply via www.disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Disaster loans up to $2 million and freight subsidies up to $5,000 are available for impacted primary producers in Banana, Charters Towers, Douglas, Gladstone, Longreach and Western Downs.

Primary producers in Banana and Gladstone who have experienced direct damage from the floods can also access grants up to $75,000.

Grants can cover costs associated with clean-up and the reinstatement of operations, and freight subsidies are available for the transportation of fodder, livestock, fencing, equipment and machinery.

Eligible North Burnett not-for-profits can now access loans up to $100,000 for their immediate recovery and operational needs. 

Applications for disaster grants and loans are available at www.qrida.qld.gov.au, and freight subsidies through the Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.

Assistance is also now available for Maranoa Regional Council to recoup the costs of its counter disaster operations and fund the reconstruction of essential public assets like roads and bridges.

All assistance measures are funded through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in response to ongoing severe weather this year.