$6 million bushfire recovery package for southern Queensland

The Albanese and Miles Governments are rolling out more support for communities impacted by last year’s bushfires across southern Queensland.

The initial package includes $5 million in Exceptional Circumstances Recovery Grants for impacted farmers and primary producers in the Local Government areas of Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Maranoa, North Burnett, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Downs.

Eligible primary producers who have suffered direct damage from the 2023 bushfires can apply for grants up to $75,000, to help with short-term recovery needs including pasture rehabilitation, fodder, replacing livestock, and repairs to infrastructure and equipment.

Grants will be administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).

The package also includes a $1 million Local Recovery and Resilience Grant for Western Downs Regional Council, in recognition of the damage caused by the Tara fires.

The funding will help the Council address economic, social and community recovery needs and support future resilience measures.

This additional assistance builds on a range of support provided at the time, including hardship payments for residents, freight subsidies and support to reconnect electricity and other essential services.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“The Albanese and Miles Governments continue to work together to support Queensland communities that have been impacted by disasters.”

“These new support packages build on the immediate assistance already rolled out to these areas, and will address some of the longer-term recovery needs. We will continue to work with the Queensland Government on what else may be needed to support recovery efforts.

“I would like to particularly thank local Councils who have been working tirelessly to support their communities.”

Quotes attributable to minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:

“Following the immediate response to recent bushfires across southern Queensland, our focus now turns to the longer-term recovery needs of impacted communities,” Ms Boyd said.

“The Australian and Queensland Governments will always ensure disaster hit areas receive the help they need.

“The Local Recovery and Resilience Grant for Western Downs will provide direct financial assistance for relief, recovery and resilience activities, while the recovery grants for our producers will help them return to full operation sooner.”

“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will keep working closely with councils to support their recovery efforts and help them bounce back.”

More information

Other DRFA assistance currently available to bushfire affected Queenslanders:

• Operational concessional loans for primary producers and small businesses – contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au
• Primary producer freight subsidies – contact DAF on 13 25 23 or visit www.daf.qld.gov.au
• Grants for individuals through the Personal Hardship Assistance and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Schemes – visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772
Minister Boyd: Ben Wilmott 0456 854 506