New Betterment funding powers Queensland's flood recovery

19 March 2026

Betterment projects headline a suite of long-term disaster recovery initiatives totalling than $107 million in response to Queensland’s continuing flood crisis.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, these significant resilience investments are being made to upgrade road networks, protect primary production and heal the natural environment.

They’ll also back community clean-up efforts and support primary producers, small businesses, and not-for-profits with essential recovery grants.

Significantly, an $89.91 million Betterment Program will target vital infrastructure upgrades such as the Flinders Highway, Mackay-Eungella Road and key bridges, crossings, and floodways.

Other key initiatives include:

  • $7.62 million Environmental Recovery Program to revitalise damaged natural areas, repair infrastructure and control pests, particularly in national parks.
  • $5 million boost to the Coordinated Emergency Fodder Support Package for primary producers, addressing fodder distribution costs in the hardest-hit regions.
  • $3.65 million Community Relief Fund expansion for clean-up and recovery efforts in Bundaberg, Whitsunday, Etheridge, Winton, Rockhampton, Mackay, and Livingstone, including waste disposal and the safe reconnection of essential services.
  • $990,000 Small Business Recovery Assistance grants of $15,000 for eligible small businesses in Carpentaria and Isaac indirectly affected by the event through isolation, access disruptions, and supply chain issues.

Additionally, the Disaster Recovery Grant cap for eligible small businesses in 26 Local Government Areas will be increased from $25,000 to $50,000, with the increase also available for eligible not-for-profits in 20 LGAs.

These packages build on $66 million in recovery measures already funded through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for the severe weather event that started on 24 December 2025.

For grant and loan eligibility, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or contact 1800 623 946. 

Applications for Small Business Recovery Assistance Grants will open soon via the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business.

These DRFA initiatives will ensure Queensland’s communities and businesses can recover stronger and more resilient than ever.