Additional support activated for North Queensland

• Disaster assistance is now available for more councils in north Queensland following monsoonal flooding.
• Emergency fodder support has been expanded and disaster assistance loans are now available for eligible primary producers.
• Assistance is provided through joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have extended financial support to additional Queensland councils and impacted primary producers following extensive flooding over the Christmas period.

Burke, Cassowary Coast, Croydon, Mount Isa, Palm Island, Winton, and Yarrabah councils can now access counter disaster operations and reconstruction of essential public assets funding, while Townsville City Council has been activated for counter disaster operations.

A $2 million Coordinated Emergency Support Package for North Queensland has been extended beyond McKinlay Shire Council to include Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders and Richmond shire councils, helping impacted farmers get feed to isolated and stranded stock.

Primary producers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond shire LGAs can also now access low interest Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant and equipment or livestock. Essential Working Capital loans of up to $100,000 are also available for those that have suffered a significant loss of income. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said DRFA support would continue to be provided to communities impacted by the monsoonal flooding.

“These monsoonal conditions have had a huge impact on communities, livestock, roads and infrastructure. This activation will make sure affected councils have the funds they need to repair essential infrastructure and recoup counter disaster operation costs from this significant event,” Minister McBain said.

“In addition, farmers and graziers who have been directly impacted by the floods can now access low interest loans to put cash in their pocket and get them through this very difficult period.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said as the flooding event continued, more assistance was being activated to target the communities that need it.

“This funding will cover the costs of clean-up and repairs of key public assets for an additional seven LGAs, while Townsville will also have their counter disaster operations covered,” Minister Leahy said.

“And hard-working primary producers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond can now access loans of up to $250,000 to cover the cost of replacing livestock, repairing buildings and keeping their businesses going while the flood waters recede.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister McBain: Claire Johnston 0473 406 905
Minister Leahy: Kyah Devine 0424 670 963

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For loan applications visit the QRIDA website, www.qrida.qld.gov.au, or call 1800 623 946. 

Primary producers needing support to access fodder should contact their local council.

Counter Disaster Operations - Reimbursement of extraordinary costs associated with eligible activities aimed at protecting the general public and ensuring public health and safety in public areas

Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets - Reconstruction to pre‑disaster function of eligible, uninsured, essential public assets damaged as a direct result of an eligible disaster. 

Disaster Assistance Loans – Primary Producer (Category B) - Concessional loans up to $250,000 to primary producers to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant and equipment or livestock. 

Essential Working Capital Loans – Primary Producer (Category B) - Concessional loans up to $100,000 to primary producers that have suffered a significant loss of income for essential working capital required to continue operations.