$26.6 million to speed the recovery of flooded Queensland

Long-term recovery efforts in flood affected areas of north, north-west and central Queensland have been boosted by the announcement of more extraordinary disaster assistance from the Australian and Queensland Governments.

Packages totalling $26.6 million will help communities tackle recovery challenges associated with debris clean-up, feral pests and insects, business continuity and employment, and human trauma as a result of the floods.

An investment of $11.32 million will be made towards primary producer industry support, funding financial and human counselling, pest management, and the employment of specialised recovery and resilience officers.

Impacted small businesses in 19 local government areas will have access to Disaster Recovery Grants up to $25,000, with $9.98 million allocated to the scheme aimed at supporting clean-up activities, repair work, and the return to operations.

A $4.26 million Mental Health Program will help vulnerable Queenslanders in 15 LGAs, funding a range of psychosocial and wellbeing initiatives.

Additionally, a $1 million Community Relief Fund has been set up for Isaac Regional Council to use for their urgent early recovery actions following flash flooding in Clermont and Dysart, including debris clean-up, livestock disposal, and the restoration of essential services.

All assistance measures are funded through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with total extraordinary DRFA support in response to this event now reaching more than $66 million.

Other targeted packages announced in response to the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji are providing Disaster Recovery Grants for primary producers, emergency fodder for graziers, and emergency repairs to Cloncurry Airport.

Applications for small business and primary producer Disaster Recovery Grants can be made via www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

Farmers needing fodder support are urged to contact their local council.

The latest list of DRFA support measures and activated LGAs for this current disaster event is available on the Activations page of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.

Queenslanders can also visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au for up-to-date disaster information from the Queensland Government.