More flood assistance for northern Queensland communities

Disaster recovery funding has been expanded to support northern Queensland councils and primary producers following the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

The local government areas (LAGs) of Banana, Gladstone, Hope Vale, Napranum, Torres, and Wujal Wujal can now access funding for critical recovery efforts, such as debris clean-up and road repairs. 

Additionally, low interest disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000 and freight subsidies of up to $5,000 are now available to impacted primary producers in Burdekin, Isaac, Mackay, and Whitsunday.

This crucial financial assistance will go a long way in helping communities rebuild, ensuring livestock operations continue, and supporting Queenslanders as they begin the road to recovery. 

The extension brings the total number of LGAs accessing assistance under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to 45 as a result of the widespread severe flooding across northern Queensland since Christmas.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) is coordinating with local governments to respond to the evolving situation and ensuring funds are distributed quickly to where they’re needed most. 

Both the Australian and Queensland governments remain committed to helping every impacted community recover fully from this latest flood calamity.

For details on accessing disaster loans, primary producers are encouraged to visit the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website at www.qrida.qld.gov.au. 

Freight subsidy information is available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au.