Millions in additional bushfire support for southern Queensland communities

Less than three months ago southeast Queensland was on fire. 

From Bundaberg to the New South Wales border, tens of thousands of hectares were engulfed by bushfires.

Townships were evacuated and unfortunately many families lost their homes.

While much needed rain has taken the immediate danger, many impacted farmers are still recovering from the loss of stock and equipment.

To assist with their recovery, Exceptional Circumstances Recovery Grants are now available for impacted primary producers in the Local Government areas of Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Maranoa, North Burnett, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Downs.

The $5 million package is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and is designed to help farmers with longer term recovery needs including pasture rehabilitation, fodder, replacing livestock, and repairs to infrastructure and equipment.

In recognition of the devastation communities such as Tara faced at the height of the bushfires, a $1 million Local Recovery and Resilience Grant for Western Downs Regional Council.

The funding provides direct financial assistance to Council as it addresses the economic, social and community recovery needs of its community and support future resilience measures.

This additional assistance builds on a range of support provided at the time, including hardship payments for residents, freight subsidies and support to reconnect electricity and other essential services.