More flood assistance activated for northern Queensland communities

• The councils of Banana, Gladstone, Hope Vale, Napranum, Torres, and Wujal Wujal can now access disaster funding in response to recent severe weather.
• Disaster loans and freight subsidies have also been extended to impacted primary producers in Burdekin, Isaac, Mackay and Whitsunday.
• Assistance is provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Ongoing flooding from the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji has seen more disaster support activated by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.

Banana, Gladstone, Hope Vale, Napranum, Torres, and Wujal Wujal Councils can now access funds for response and recovery activities including debris clean-up and road repairs.

Personal Hardship Assistance is now available to eligible residents in targeted localities in the Livingstone and Mackay LGAs.

This includes payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more for emergency essentials like food, clothing and medicine, and other assistance targeting low income, uninsured residents. 

Flood-affected residents in areas previously activated for personal hardship assistance also now have more time to apply for these payments.

Additionally, impacted primary producers in Burdekin, Isaac, Mackay, and Whitsunday may apply for disaster loans up to $250,000 and freight subsidies up to $5,000.

Farmers can get more information on disaster loans via www.qrida.qld.gov.au and freight subsidies at www.dpi.qld.gov.au.

All assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

There are now 45 local government areas (LGAs) receiving DRFA assistance following significant flooding that has affected large parts of the state’s north since Christmas.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the protracted nature of the disaster has called for a further expansion of support.

“We’re making sure every area of Queensland impacted by this damaging event is receiving the help they need to recover,” Minister McBain said.

“As we continue to learn of the impacts from this period of severe weather, we’ll keep providing the financial assistance to councils and communities as required.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the government was listening to the calls for support and was working at speed to make disaster funding available.

“All DRFA activations are done in close communication with our local governments, and I want to acknowledge their ongoing hard work in the face of this challenging disaster.

“These funds will make sure communities can recover in full, livestock operations can be maintained, and our regions will emerge from this event stronger than before.”

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said this assistance would support primary producers to get back on their feet faster.

“The flooding in North Queensland had a terrible impact on farmers and primary producers, who are not only critical to regional economies, but to our food security, which is why making this support available is so important.

“We’ll always back our farmers and primary producers, with this support to help those impacted in North Queensland to clean up, sustain livestock, and mitigate the impacts of flooding and loss of pasture.”

Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said it had been an absolutely devastating start to the year for so many Queensland primary producers.

“I’ve been on the ground in affected communities and I’ve seen the catastrophic impacts our producers are experiencing with my own eyes and listened to their experiences firsthand.

“As waters begin to finally recede, we will have a clearer picture of what we are dealing with.

“The Crisafulli Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth to ensure primary producers and local communities have everything they need to begin the long road to recovery.”

Applications for personal hardship assistance can be made at www.disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS

Minister McBain: Claire Johnston 0473 406 905
Minister Leahy: Kyah Devine 0424 670 963
Minister Collins: Blake Danilczak 0497 204 267
Minister Perrett: Matt Jensen 0401 829 879