Major investment in Betterment, resilience and clean-up to power Queensland's flood recovery

• The Crisafulli Government is helping regional communities build back better after flooding impacts.
• Communities set to be strengthened by disaster support packages worth more than $107 million, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments. 
• Support funded through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

Long-term recovery in flood ravaged Queensland communities will be strengthened by a suite of disaster support packages worth over $107 million, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.

Significant resilience investments are being made to upgrade road networks, protect primary production operations and heal the natural environment, ensuring Queensland can recover in full following recent compounding disaster events.

Additional assistance will help drive ongoing community clean-up efforts and make sure primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits have access to the support and grants they need for pressing recovery and operational needs.

Funded through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the new assistance measures include:

• $89.91 million Betterment Program to improve the disaster resilience of essential infrastructure in the north including the Flinders Highway, Mackay-Eungella Road, and key bridges, crossings and floodways.
• $7.62 million Environmental Recovery Program to support the rejuvenation of natural areas across impacted regions, repair damaged infrastructure and control pests, with a particular focus on national parks.
• $5 million uplift to the Coordinated Emergency Fodder Support Package to assist more flood affected primary producers in the hardest hit council areas with costs associated with livestock fodder distribution.
• $3.65 million Community Relief Fund expansion for clean-up and immediate recovery efforts in Bundaberg, Whitsunday, Etheridge, Winton, Rockhampton, Mackay and Livingstone, including disposal activities and the reconnection of essential services.
• $990,000 Small Business Recovery Assistance grants for $15,000 grants available to eligible small businesses in Carpentaria and Issac indirectly impacted by the floods due to isolation, access disruptions and supply chain constraints.

Further to these new packages, the Disaster Recovery Grant cap for eligible small businesses in 26 LGAs will double from $25,000 to $50,000 to assist with immediate clean-up and recovery activities.

These increased grants are also being made available to eligible not-for-profits in 20 LGAs.

This new round of support from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments builds on the more than $66 million in measures already announced in response to the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji and Severe Weather event that commenced on 24 December 2025.

Primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits can check their eligibility for disaster grants and loans via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.

Applications for Small Business Recovery Assistance Grants will be opened via the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business.

This support is in addition to the previously announced joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which have been activated across 59 Local Government Areas.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said it's important to see these communities back to their best.

“Regional Queensland is a massive contributor to Australia and our nation’s economy, and we want to see these communities back to their best," Minister McBain said. 

“Support measures announced today will repair and improve vital access links, protect businesses and jobs, boost recovery in communities, and restore huge nature areas. 

“Disaster recovery is a long and challenging road, but the Albanese Government determined to stay the course to ensure a brighter future for all.

“The extensive amount of DRFA assistance we continue to provide will have a positive impact in communities, allowing Queenslanders to take important steps forward.

“These funds will firm up our long-term recovery and help remote and regional Queensland withstand the effects of future disasters.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was standing side by side with flood effected communities.

“These floods will not wash away our resolve in delivering for Queensland," Minister Leahy said.

“The impacts have been immense, but we’re matching that intensity with our recovery efforts.

“With every disaster we’re committed to coming out the other side stronger than before, and our substantial Betterment and recovery investments will make sure of this.

“Betterment is a true pillar of our government and a commitment we’ve made to all Queenslanders in every corner of our state.

“The projects to be delivered with this funding will be transformational for disaster affected communities, industries and businesses.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Minister McBain’s Office: David Jean, 0467 559 492
Minister Leahy’s Office: Kyah Devine, 0428 217 040