$38 million in disaster support for north-west Queensland

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today committed an additional $38 million towards large-scale disaster recovery efforts for flood affected communities across north-west Queensland.

Targeted investments will be made across programs and projects that will assist the recovery of flood affected farmers and communities, including:

• $21.5 million for primary producer Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000.
• $11.5 million for critical repairs and increased flood resilience at Cloncurry Airport.
• $5 million increase to the previously announced emergency fodder package.

Primary producer recovery grants up to $75,000 are available to impacted farmers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton Shires, including upfront payments of $10,000.

The Cloncurry Airport Recovery and Renewal Package will see $11.5 million of works rolled out to repair the damaged airstrip and increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft.

Another $5 million investment will grow the region’s Coordinated Emergency Fodder Support Package to $7 million, helping primary producers keep their stock fed in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton.

This $38 million commitment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments is being made through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Primary producers applying for Disaster Recovery Grants can visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 623 946.

Farmers needing fodder support should contact their local council immediately.

For the latest disaster information, all Queenslanders can visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au, with around the clock support also available via the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the funding was providing immediate support to flooded communities that are hurting now and will set them up for success in the future. 

“These disaster packages will make sure flood affected Queenslanders can recover and importantly build back stronger," the Prime Minister said. 

“We want all Australians to know that their government has their back.”

Acting Premier of Queensland Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was delivering for flood-affected Queenslanders. 

“We’ve got boots on the ground across the north and north-west to inform our recovery and the support we’re providing," Acting Premier Bleijie said. 

“It doesn’t matter what we’re up against, we’ll continue delivering for Queensland.”

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was back in Cloncurry again for the second time in 13 months, this time with the PM and Minister McBain, and they had a simple message.

"We know the people, communities and industries of regional Queensland play a crucial role in our country and its economy and we are here for them every step of the way," Treasurer Chalmers said. 

“These floods have been devastating for farming families in Queensland’s north and central west, there's no other way to put it, and as a Queenslander I know how important this help will be in regions like this one.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said it was our job to be there for all Australians, no matter what disasters we face, and this major investment speaks to that responsibility.

“Recovery is a long road and it takes time to reach the end, but today we’re telling Queenslanders that we’ll get there together," Minister McBain said. 

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the local knowledge of mayors and industry bodies was crucial to the shape of these support measures.

“For our farmers, communities and families, we’ve listened and we’re getting on with the work," Minister Leahy said. 

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS: 
Prime Minister’s Office: 02 6277 7744

Premier’s Office: Jordan Fabris 0418 198 814

Minister McBain’s Office: David Jean 0467 559 492

Minister Leahy’s Office: Kyah Devine 0424 670 963