A $19.2 million funding program is focusing on boosting the flood recovery of community recreational assets in 30 local government areas in North and Far North Queensland.
The Community Recreational Assets Recovery Program will help fund the clean-up and repair of recreational assets damaged during this year’s North and Far North Tropical Low summer flood event.
The assistance has been made available by the Federal and Queensland Governments under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with the program to be managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).
Funding will support councils with the restoration of community recreational assets and facilities such as community centres, clubhouses, walkways, bikeways, parks, playgrounds, picnic spaces, and beach access points.
Eligible council areas stretch from Blackall-Tambo and Diamantina north to Northern Peninsula Area, along the eastern coastline from Whitsunday to Cook, and west to Gulf Country LGAs like Carpentaria, Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw.
Councils can lodge applications through QRA until 11 July 2025, with all projects to be completed by 30 June 2027.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said that investing in community infrastructure was a proven way to lift community spirits.
“We want to give Queenslanders assurance that our government is working with the State Government to help communities recover and rebuild,” McBain said.
“Programs like this deliver tangible outcomes and stand as visible reminders that no matter the scale and breadth of a disaster, we will overcome it.
“By restoring community recreational assets, we are helping return life to normal for residents affected, providing places for people to make positive memories once more.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy, said that the Queensland Government would support councils through the program from application to project completion.
“We are stronger when we work together, and I’m pleased all levels of government are partnering working to rebuild recreational assets in their communities,” Leahy said.
“QRA officers are ready and able to support all eligible councils with submissions for this funding, and will assist those successful with delivery of works.
“Just as flooding events evolve over time, our recovery does as well, and tailored funding channels like this reaffirm our unwavering support for disaster hit regions.”
