Disaster Recovery Grants for Queensland Communities

Queensland communities affected by devastating weather events last summer will benefit from $19.5 million in Flexible Funding Grants (FFGs) to drive recovery and resilience projects.

The grants are provided by the Australian and Queensland governments through Category C of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The grants are available to communities affected by the Central, Southern and Western Queensland Rainfall and Flooding (Nov – Dec 2021), Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth (Dec 2021 – Jan 2022), south east Queensland Rainfall and Flooding (Feb – April 2022), and Southern Queensland Flooding (May 2022) events.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the grants will help prepare 39 Local Government Areas (LGAs) for severe weather events in the future.

“Unfortunately many disaster-impacted regions are hit more than once, and we need to make sure regions are given the tools to help prevent repeat destruction,” Minister Watt said.

“Councils, industry and community groups, peak bodies, Queensland-based NGOs and research bodies will be able to apply. Councils can use this funding for a range of projects to bring initiatives that better prepare communities and maintain support networks, building resilience to future disasters.”

Applicants can apply for multiple grants, with small grant applications available from $2,500 up to $50,000 and large grant applications available from $50,001 up to $100,000.

Queensland Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the devastating weather events have sent shockwaves right throughout Queensland communities.

“We want to see local communities in a position where they can reduce future risks and be as resilient as possible and these funding grants will help them achieve that,” Minister Enoch said.

“We know many residents in these areas continue to do it tough and the Queensland Government is here for the long-term, to support these communities in their recovery and future preparedness.

“Queenslanders have faced extraordinary disaster events on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has placed communities under both economic and social hardship.”

Recipients will have 12 months to deliver their projects and will be required to provide regular progress reports on achievements and expenditure.

The DRFA Category C Flexible Funding Grants will be released in two rounds:

• Round 1: totalling $6 million - applications are now open and close on Friday, 21 October 2022.
• Round 2: totalling $13.5 million - applications to open in 2023.

To find out more about the grants and how to apply go to: https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/funding-programs/event-specific-exceptional-circumstances-assistance/2021-22-rainfall-and-flooding-exceptional-circumstances-package/flexible-funding-grants-20-million

MEDIA CONTACTS
Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772
Minister Enoch: Bill Walker 0437 859 987