Queensland’s record breaking disaster season continues

Queenslanders have once again been impacted by an extreme and ongoing disaster season featuring tropical cyclones, widespread flooding and devastating bushfires that have left a recovery bill in excess of $1.8 billion.

Thirteen separate natural disaster events have now struck Queensland since 1 July 2023, the most disasters experienced in the state in one season since the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) was established in 2011.

The latest disaster saw severe rainfall and flooding affect large parts of western Queensland through March and April 2024.

Major flood levels were recorded in multiple river systems across the region, including the Balonne, Warrego and Weir Rivers, and after weeks of heavy rain many areas of the outback resembled an inland sea.

While the widespread rain has been welcome, the excess flooding has been destructive to the rural road network, with several communities isolated temporarily.

However, thanks to disaster funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments, the councils of Balonne, Barcoo, Bulloo, Flinders, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Murweh and Richmond won’t be left high and dry financially as floodwaters disperse.

Councils will receive funding for their flood response activities and ongoing recovery through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

This includes support for efforts to assist and protect the community before, during or after the floods, as well as costs associated with the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other critical public infrastructure.

For a number of these councils, including Balonne, Bulloo and Maranoa, the new funding injection comes at a crucial time following further storms and flooding faced in late 2023.

The DRFA framework provides councils with peace of mind.

It means impacted local governments can focus on their disaster recovery without worrying if they'll have the funds available to cover costs.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority continues to work with all 66 councils affected by extreme weather emergencies in 2023-24 to keep communities on their feet.