New support and an extension of time boosts flood recovery for northern Queensland communities

With Queensland in the grip of a prolonged monsoon trough, a range of disaster assistance measures have been extended to help communities doing it tough.

This includes Personal Hardship Assistance for flood affected residents in the Charters Towers localities of Campaspe, Homestead and Llanarth who can now access emergency payments to aid their recovery

Eligible residents can receive up to $180 for individuals and $900 for families of five or more to cover the costs of essential items like food, clothing and medicine.

Other grants, the majority targeted at low-income, uninsured residents, can help those who have lost power for a prolonged period, need to replace damaged essential household items, or carry out repairs on an impacted home to make it safe and habitable.

A time extension has also been approved for emergency and essential services hardship grants in the north-west local government areas of Carpentaria, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton. 

Flood impacted residents in these LGAs now have until 27 March 2026 to apply for this vital assistance.

More support is available as well for flooded primary producers in Boulia and Diamantina who can access disaster loans up to $2 million, freight subsidies up to $5,000, and emergency fodder support. 

Flood affected small businesses in these areas can access loans up to $250,000, and not-for-profits in Rockhampton are eligible for loans up to $100,000 to support recovery and ongoing operations.

In addition, the councils of Blackall-Tambo, Quilpie and Tablelands are now receiving funding for their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets. 

There are 49 LGAs across Queensland currently activated for disaster support following widespread rains and flooding that has engulfed large areas of the state since Christmas.

Hardship assistance applications can be made at www.disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 173 349, while disaster loans are available through QRIDA, and freight subsidies via the Queensland Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23. 

All assistance is provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).