Deadline extended for North Queensland disaster assistance grants

Six-month extension for disaster assistance grant applications.
Previous closing date of 14 February has been extended to 14 August.
Primary producers given additional time and support for applications.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have extended the application deadline for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000, giving primary producers impacted by the North and Far North Tropical Low in early 2025 an additional six months to apply.

The new deadline for applications is 14 August 2026.

The grants are designed to assist primary producers in recovering from the devastating impacts of the tropical low, which caused widespread damage across North and Far North Queensland.

The grants are provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The funding can be used to cover the costs of clean-up and recovery activities, including:

purchasing equipment and materials for clean-up

disposing of damaged goods

replanting of crops

repairing or replacing fencing, buildings and infrastructure

covering additional labour costs.

This extension acknowledges the challenges faced by many primary producers who have been impacted by multiple disaster events over the past year. The additional time will allow them to focus on completing their recovery efforts and accessing the support they need.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was committed to supporting disaster-affected communities.

“These grants are a lifeline for primary producers who have faced significant weather events over the past year,” Minister McBain said.

“We’re extending this deadline to ensure that primary producers who have been impacted by multiple disaster events over the past year have more time to complete clean-up and recovery activities.”

Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said this extension would provide impacted farmers and primary producers in North and Far North Queensland with more flexibility to access support when they need it.

“Having been on the ground in Queensland last week to see the damage to crops, fences and equipment firsthand, I know this support is critical to helping impacted farmers and producers to get back on their feet quicker.

“We’ve heard from farmers and producers that having more time to assess the support they need and more time to apply while they get on with immediate clean-up efforts is essential, which is exactly what this extension provides.”

Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government remained steadfast in its support for disaster-affected communities.

“This extension reflects our commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Queenslanders as they recover from the devastating impacts of the tropical low event in early 2025,” Minister Perrett said.

“We understand the immense challenges faced by our primary producers, and we’re ensuring they have the time and resources they need to rebuild their livelihoods.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy highlighted the importance of listening to local communities in shaping recovery efforts.

“Our farmers have shown incredible resilience in the face of multiple weather events on top of the normal uncertainties that comes with the agriculture industry,” Minister Leahy said.

“This extension is about giving them the time and support they need to recover and rebuild. We’re here to help every step of the way.”

Primary producers are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply for the grants by visiting the information for primary producers webpage or by contacting the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority online, by phone or in person. For those seeking additional support, Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers (IRROs) from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are available to help.

The IRRO program provides specialised medium-term and long-term recovery support to primary producers.

If you would like support from an IRRO or have any other enquiries, visit DPI’s website for contact information.

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.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:

Minister McBain: David Jean, 0467 559 492

Minister Perrett: Nicole Bond, 0417 199 369

Minister Leahy: Kyah Devine, 0424 670 963

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Affected Local Government Areas include:

Burdekin Shire Council
Cairns Regional Council
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Charters Towers Regional Council
Flinders Shire Council
Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
Tablelands Regional Council
Townsville City Council
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council