Flood assistance extended to new areas, and more time to apply for hardship payments

As Queensland’s unrelenting disaster season continues, support is being made available to more households, farmers, businesses, community organisations and councils, from Western Downs to Douglas Shire.

Flood affected residents in North Burnett and the Barcoo township of Windorah, as well as additional parts of the Bundaberg, Gladstone and Western Downs local government areas, 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 hardship grants has also been given to eligible residents in Banana, Barcaldine, Bundaberg, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Douglas, Flinders, Gladstone, North Burnett and Western Downs, with applications now open till 27 April 2026.

Queenslanders can check their eligibility for Personal Hardship Assistance and apply via www.disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling the 24/7 Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

For impacted primary producers in the LGAs of Banana, Charters Towers, Douglas, Gladstone, Longreach and Western Downs, disaster loans up to $2 million and freight subsidies up to $5,000 will help with recovery needs and liquidity.

Primary producers in Banana, Gladstone and Longreach who have experienced direct damage from the floods can also access grants up to $75,000 for costs associated with clean-up and the reinstatement of operations, including replacing deceased livestock and damaged crops.

Primary industry support offering mental health and financial advice as well as help with pest management is being expanded to Longreach and Charters Towers.

Disaster Recovery Grants up to $50,000 will help impacted small businesses in Boulia and Diamantina, and disaster loans up to $100,000 can be applied for by eligible not-for-profits in Barcoo and North Burnett.

Finally, Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council and Maranoa Regional Council will be able to recoup the costs of their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets like roads and bridges.

All assistance listed above is funded through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in response to ongoing severe weather experienced across Queensland since Christmas.

Applications for disaster grants and loans can be made through www.qrida.qld.gov.au, while producers seeking freight subsidies should call Queensland's Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.

The latest list of DRFA activations for every disaster event to impact Queensland is always available on the QRA website.