Disaster grants and clean-up fund to drive western Queensland flood recovery

Recovery grants for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits, and a council Community Relief Fund are the latest assistance measures extended to western Queensland communities devastated by recent floods.

The $69.75 million package is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Grants up to $75,000 for eligible primary producers and $25,000 for eligible small businesses and not-for-profits are now available to boost recovery in the wake of catastrophic flooding across the Queensland outback. 

Support can be used for activities that will help bring a return to operation – everything from cleaning, repairs and asset replacement to restocking, resupply and replanting.

Councils can access a $12 million Community Relief Fund to help with debris removal, washouts, livestock disposal, and other immediate recovery needs.

Following major disaster it's continually noted regions that can clean up sooner bounce back faster, and this funding injection for western Queensland councils will ensure this happens.

Disaster Recovery Grants and Community Relief Fund have been activated for nine local government areas: Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton.

A range of other DRFA support is also available to western Queensland communities, including support for councils' counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets, emergency payments for residents and fodder for producers, and disaster loans for farmers, businesses and NFPs.

This flood emergency has had a disastrous effect on the region, inundating an area twice the size of Victoria, and the water is slow moving as levels recede, further drawing out the event.

Thousands of kilometres of exclusion fencing has been washed away, and sadly hundreds of thousands of livestock have perished.

Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) is supporting communities through recovery, in particular residents with homes inundated, and primary producers whose livelihoods have been swamped. 

Flood impacted farmers, small businesses and not-for-profits can check their eligibility and apply for Disaster Recovery Grants via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or 1800 623 946.