Councils embrace further federal disaster aid

North-west Queensland councils have welcomed a Federal Government commitment for an additional $91.8 million to support disaster recovery and resilience in north and north-west regions. North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils chair Jack Bawden said the region had suffered more than its fair share of natural disasters in recent years and, now more than ever, this funding was crucial. "Our councils are ready to get stuck into projects that will make our communities and businesses safe and resilient so we can take the knocks when Mother Nature calls, as she likes to do up here,” Cr Bawden said. “This funding gives us the ability to make some real resilience gains and the potential to make bigger things happen.” He said a board meeting yesterday included talks with representatives from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, confirming funding arrangements and details on the development of priorities and program delivery. The Federal Government funding announced this week covers three new initiatives to support eligible communities and primary producers including: North Queensland Resilience Program – $84.8 million. A grants program administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to support local and regional disaster resilience. Available for regional projects in the local government areas of Boulia, Burdekin, Burke, Carpentaria, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Douglas, Etheridge, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, McKinlay, Mornington, Mount Isa, Richmond, Townsville, Whitsunday, Winton. Restocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grants Program – $5 million. Co-contribution grants up to $150,000 to primary producers to replace lost livestock and restore or replace lost or damaged on-farm infrastructure. Administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), the grants apply to the Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington and Mount Isa areas. On-farm Resilience Study – $2 million. This will identify the feasibility of livestock refuge mounds and other on-farm resilient equipment and infrastructure options. The study will cover the LGAs of Boulia, Burdekin, Burke, Carpentaria, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Douglas, Etheridge, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, McKinlay, Mornington, Mount Isa, Richmond, Townsville, Whitsunday and Winton. The new funding is on top of the $119.1 million package announced last month to help communities following the 2023 monsoonal floods experienced across northern and central Queensland. Image at top of page: Recent flooding in the McKinlay Shire cut the Flinders Highway.

Councils embrace further federal disaster aid

Industry Queensland

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