Flood-hit communities across north, north-west, and central Queensland are set to receive additional recovery support, with governments committing a further $26.6 million in funding.
The initiative targets primary producers, small businesses, clean-up efforts, and mental health support following widespread flooding caused by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, which brought record rainfall from Christmas through the New Year.
Recovery Funding Expanded
The funding package sets aside $11.32 million to support primary producers through a coordinated assistance program offering financial and personal counselling, pest and locust control services, and access to industry recovery and resilience officers.
Another $9.98 million will be delivered through Disaster Recovery Grants to help small businesses meet the costs of clean-up, repairs, and replacing damaged equipment and stock, with the aim of keeping operations running and jobs secure.
Mental health services will receive $4.26 million to provide psychosocial and wellbeing support across 15 local government areas in the north, Far North and north-west of the state.
A further $1 million has been allocated to a Community Relief Fund to assist Isaac Regional Council with immediate recovery efforts, including debris removal, emergency works and the restoration of essential services.
Federal and state leaders said the additional funding was aimed at accelerating recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the assistance was designed to help communities recover and rebuild.
“These disaster packages will make sure flood affected Queenslanders can get back on their feet and build back stronger,” he said.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the scale of the damage was extensive.
“From the terrible loss of more than 50,000 head of livestock and counting, to the inundation of homes in Clermont, the impacts from this flooding event have been felt far and wide across our State,” he said.Earlier Support and Weather Outlook
The announcement follows last week’s commitment of $38 million in additional recovery funding, including $21.5 million in Disaster Recovery Grants for primary producers.That package also included $11.5 million for critical repairs and flood-resilience upgrades at Cloncurry Airport, and an extra $5 million added to the previously announced $2 million emergency fodder package, extending support to producers across six flood-hit shires.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of further widespread rain and thunderstorms across northern and inland Queensland, with some storms potentially severe.
South-east Queensland is expected to remain relatively settled, while far western areas face extreme heat, with Birdsville forecast to reach 45°C.
