Flood recovery packages boost assistance in north and Far North Queensland

Support packages totalling more than $77 million will aid long-term recovery efforts in flood affected areas of north and Far North Queensland.

Funded under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the packages target environmental recovery across the region, water and sewerage infrastructure upgrades in Charters Towers, and legal assistance.

A $73 million Environmental Recovery Program will prioritise catchment, coastline and national park restoration, and the management of impacts to key nature areas and cultural sites.

As well as achieving immediate recovery goals, this major investment will grow resilience across land, waterways and coastal areas.

Charters Towers residents and businesses will benefit from a $3.12 million Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Recovery Program to help council repair damaged water and sewerage infrastructure, and safeguard future water supply.

These improvements will flow on towards positive community health and economic outcomes, creating newfound confidence in the proud rural town.

Flood affected residents and businesses in the local government areas of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Tablelands, and Yarrabah can also access a $1.42 million Legal Assistance Relief package.

This will help members of the community with a range of complex challenges associated with the disaster, including insurance claims, tenancy problems and property damage.

More than $507 million in extraordinary DRFA support is now being delivered in response to the North and Far North Tropical Low disaster event.

The significant level of funding allocated acknowledges the severity and widespread damage of the disaster, which broke rainfall records in many parts of north Queensland.

All funds are being provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with the packages developed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and delivery agencies.

Learn more about these packages and others on the event support page via the QRA website.