Western Queensland open for business as recovery continues

• The Crisafulli Government encourages tourists to visit Western Queensland as it recovers from record-breaking floods.
• Communities and businesses welcoming back visitors after area twice the size of Victoria was impacted by floodwaters.
• Support continues with $186.75 million in extraordinary assistance packages unlocked under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. 

The Crisafulli Government has paid tribute to the strength and spirit of Western Queensland communities devastated by record-breaking floods and encouraged tourists to visit the Channel Country. 

Premier David Crisafulli, Minister for Disaster Recovery and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy, and Member for Gregory Sean Dillon were on the ground in Thargomindah and Jundah on Friday to inspect ongoing recovery efforts and meet with impacted community members nearly three months after floodwaters receded. 

While roads and businesses have since reopened, visitor numbers to the region haven’t recovered since it was inundated by floodwaters.  

Western Queensland communities are now calling for tourists to return, with school holidays and popular annual events approaching, such as the Channel Country Music Muster and Jundah Camel Races. 

Long-term support for the region continues with $186.75 million in joint State and Commonwealth disaster support made available for primary producers, small businesses, local councils, and households since late March.  

That includes a $105 million package for key exclusion fencing and $12 million Emergency Fodder Support Package was also delivered for stranded livestock. 

Personal Hardship Assistance, including emergency grants, have been provided to 3,243 people in Western Queensland, totalling over $718,000.  

Premier David Crisafulli said he was determined to make sure no Queenslander would be left behind as we continued walking the long road to recovery. 

“Western Queenslanders are resilient but they are doing it tough right now, and we must all continue to support them as they get back on their feet,” Premier Crisafulli said. 

“These communities have gone through heartache, but right now there is the most amazing bloom, the countryside is green and the people have a spring in their step. 

“It’s the perfect time to come and visit this amazing part of the country.” 

Minister for Disaster Recovery and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said Western Queenslanders had met every challenge of the devastating flood event head on. 

“What we’ve seen in these flood-impacted communities over the past few months is the true heart of Queensland,” Minister Leahy said. 

“These are people looking out for each other, rolling up their sleeves and never giving up. 

“The Crisafulli Government will match the Western Queensland spirit with continued support and lasting investment.” 

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said Western Queensland was bouncing back and called on tourists to come and visit. 

“We continue to make trips to this region to ensure the councils, and the communities know that we have their back, even after the waters went away,” Mr Dillon said. 

“The kaleidoscope of colours unfolding across our landscape right now is amazing to look at and this is a unique opportunity to visit Western Queensland. 

“There is no impediment to being here, the place is unlocked and ready to go, so come and visit this beautiful part of the world.” 

ENDS