Disaster support activated for storm-hit Queensland communities

• Disaster assistance has been made available to seven councils across southern Queensland following recent storms and flash flooding.
• Funds can be used for eligible activities such as counter disaster operations, emergency road repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
• This is the first activation for Queensland under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the 2026-27 season.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have activated disaster recovery assistance for the councils of Fraser Coast, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Southern Downs and Toowoomba following a period of severe rain and flash flooding.

These regions have experienced a number of intense storms recently with rainfall totals including 190mm in six hours at Caboolture, more than 200mm at Brooweena on 24 October, and almost 100mm recorded at Warwick.

Funding from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) is now available for these councils to use for their response and recovery efforts.

This includes, where eligible, debris clean-up, road traffic management, local evacuation support, emergency road repairs, and the reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure.

Some rural communities in these local government areas were isolated due to the rains, with major flooding seen in the Mary, Condamine, Warrego and Weir Rivers.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has been in daily contact with impacted councils to provide activation and recovery support.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said this financial assistance will enable councils to undertake immediate recovery work including the clean-up of flood impacted roads and council assets.

“This financial assistance will enable councils to undertake immediate recovery work including the clean-up of flood impacted roads and council assets.

“It’s about giving confidence to communities in need.

“The Albanese Government will be there to support Queensland communities this higher risk weather season, just as we always have been.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government’s priority is making sure communities impacted by these storms have the support they need, when they need it.

“Disaster assistance is now available to seven southern Queensland councils to help with the clean-up, emergency road repairs and rebuilding damaged roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure.

“We know how difficult these events can be for local communities, particularly when roads are cut and families are isolated, and we’re here to help councils through the recovery process and deliver the crucial assistance communities need.”

Visit disaster.qld.gov.au for the latest disaster information from the Queensland Government.

Stay up to date with traffic alerts and road closures via the QLDTraffic website.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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