Far North tourism operators to receive $10 million for flood resilience

• $10 million for 65 projects to help tourism operators become more flood-resilient
• Far North businesses will receive grants from $30,000 to $250,000
• Part of a $29.15 million package of joint funding after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper

Tourism operators across Queensland’s Far North are set to become more resilient to floods with 65 businesses to share in $10 million through the Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

The support is part of the $29.15 million Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program, jointly funded by the Albanese and Miles Governments, for tourism operators severely impacted as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper to rebuild stronger, flood-resilient infrastructure through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Some of the funded projects include solar panels, generators, stormwater drains, flood warning systems, hoists, elevated workshops, sealed roads, synthetic flooring, retaining walls, water pumps, rainwater tanks, bore water access and desalination units.

Businesses from Cairns to Palm Cove, Kuranda, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree have been awarded grants from $30,000 to $250,000, with projects to be completed by 30 November 2025.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“It’s really great to see that with support from the Albanese and Miles Governments, tourism operators who were severely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper during the industry’s peak season have been able to make steps towards recovery.

“These grants will help businesses to better withstand and recover from future severe weather events.

“We know there is more work to be done following the devastating impacts across the Far North, and we continue to listen to the recovery needs of the business community to shape our support.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Michael Healy:

“These funds will assist tourism operators in reducing their exposure to future natural disasters.

“It will help them keep the lights on, maintain a supply of clean water, preserve equipment, keep roads open and floodwaters out.

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our region, and we have been engaged with tourism operators across the region ever since Cyclone Jasper left a trail of damage last December, to make sure they are getting the support they need.

“This round of funding is all about planning ahead, so we have a more sustainable and resilient tourism industry that is better prepared for when disaster strikes.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland, Nita Green:

“Both levels of government are making significant investments in Queensland tourism businesses hit hard by this disaster because we know the important role they play in the region’s economy. 

“We live in one of the most iconic tourism destinations in the world, but we’re also prone to natural disasters and that means we need to be disaster ready.

“These 65 operators will now be better prepared in the face of the next potential disaster that occurs in our region.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:

“With a damage bill topping more than $2.1 billion, Queenslanders battled through extremely damaging weather in the 2023-24 summer.

“Tropical Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily damaged 1,854 homes and businesses from Cooktown to Cairns, Mareeba, Wujal Wujal and the Cassowary Coast.

“As recovery continues, we’ve provided almost $13 million in personal hardship grants to keep more than 50,000 FNQ residents on their feet, on top of this support for our local tourism operators.”

Quotes attributable to CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland Mark Olsen:

“It has been a really tough first six months and for operators impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper this will be a huge boost.

“We know that the best investment we can make is in the resilience of our businesses and this funding will help to prepare for future natural disasters so that tourism operators can get back to business as quickly as possible.

“It could be as simple as installing alternate sources of power and water supply, or it may mean rebuilding to avoid future flooding.

“Our industry has done the research to understand how they can improve their business resilience and this funding will assist them to implement these changes.”

 Further information:

 The Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program also included:

• $10 million in Tourism Exceptional Assistance Grants, which saw 83 tourism operators funded up to $500,000 each to cover wages, rent and supplies.
• $3 million towards advertising campaigns and events across Cairns and Port Douglas promoting the region, like Savannah Sounds on the Great Barrier Reef.
• $5 million was directed towards immediate hardship support, discounted flights and accommodation.

The grants program is part of more than $156 million committed by the Albanese and Miles Governments to support the long-term recovery of communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

A full list of successful applicants is available here: https://www.dts.qld.gov.au/tourism/funds/building-resilient-tourism-infrastructure-tropical-cyclone-jasper

More information on personal disaster assistance can be found at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister Healy’s office: Bill Walker 0437 859 897

Senator Green: Lani Sprague 0490 841 868