A further $26.6 million have been jointly committed by the Federal and Queensland Government towards long-term recovery in flood-affected communities.
This funding will target recovery for primary producers, small businesses, flood clean-up, and mental health support.
The assistance is in response to extensive flooding caused by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji that together have brought record rainfall from Christmas through the new year.
New measures include:
- $11.32 million Primary Producer Support Package offering wrap-around care for impacted farmers, with access to financial and human counselling, feral pest and locust management, and industry recovery and resilience officers.
- $9.98 million Disaster Recovery Grants for small businesses to support clean-up, repairs and the replacement of essential equipment and stock so operations can sustain and jobs are protected.
- $4.26 million Mental Health Program that will fund psychosocial health and wellbeing initiatives for flood affected communities and vulnerable Queenslanders across 15 north, Far North and north-west local government areas.
- $1 million Community Relief Fund to boost Issac Regional Council’s clean-up and immediate recovery efforts, including disposal activities, emergency works, and the reconnection of essential services.
All initiatives are funded through the joint federal-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Combined with last week’s announcement of extraordinary assistance, this brings funding to more than $66 million, from the Federal and Queensland Governments.
Flood hit small businesses across northern and central Queensland can check their eligibility for a Disaster Recovery Grant via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the funding would provide much needed support to flooded communities.
“This funding will provide support to flooded communities that are hurting now and will set them up to recover and rebuild,” Albanese said.
“These disaster packages will make sure flood affected Queenslanders can get back on their feet and build back stronger.
“At the worst of times, we always see the best of the Australian character and we’re seeing that right here in Queensland.
“We want all Australians to know every level of government will keep working together to support communities through the recovery.
Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, said the impacts from the weather event have been felt far and wide.
“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,” Crisafulli said.
“We are laser-focused on making sure the size of the flood impacts will be more than matched by our efforts to help affected communities recover.
“Queenslanders have a well-earned reputation for lifting up our mates during the hard times, and that’s what these new support packages will achieve.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said she had seen first hand the impact from the weather event.
“I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impacts these floods have had on communities in north, north-west and central Queensland,” McBain said.
“This package builds on the supports we’ve already activated, targeting a range of priorities that require immediate attention to keep communities functioning and safe.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy, said the impact from the weather event was devastating.
“The devastation felt by primary producers, small businesses and communities across flood affected parts of Queensland is as clear as it is heartbreaking,” Leahy said.
“While the impacts are complex, we will keep working tirelessly to support the varied recovery needs in affected communities.”
