Disaster Recovery Support Remains In Place

Local representatives and regional mayors have welcomed the Federal Government's decision to retain existing disaster recovery funding after advocating against proposed cuts. Photo supplied by the office of Andrew Willcox MP  

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Mackay representatives have welcomed a Federal Government decision to retain existing disaster recovery funding arrangements, following previous concerns that proposed changes could have placed greater financial pressure on regional councils and ratepayers.

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As of the 9^th October 2026, the Federal Government has abandoned its proposed move to a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement, confirming the Commonwealth will continue contributing up to 75 per cent of eligible disaster recovery costs when certain criteria are met.

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The decision follows consultation and opposition from regional mayors and local government representatives, who raised concerns about the potential impact on communities regularly exposed to cyclones, flooding and severe weather.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant outcome for disaster-prone communities across the region.

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"This is a huge win for disaster-prone communities like Dawson, and I'm incredibly proud to have fought alongside our regional mayors to get this result," Mr Willcox said.

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Mr Willcox said he had worked alongside Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins to raise concerns about the proposed changes, including during meetings in Canberra.

He said the proposed funding model could have placed a considerable financial burden on councils, with ratepayers potentially facing greater costs when rebuilding essential infrastructure following major disasters.

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Drawing on his experience as Whitsunday Mayor during Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, Mr Willcox said recovery involved rebuilding roads, bridges, community facilities and essential infrastructure, with damage running into hundreds of millions of dollars.

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton also welcomed the decision, highlighting the importance of reliable disaster recovery funding for local families, businesses and infrastructure.

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“Mackay has experienced firsthand the devastating impacts of cyclones, flooding and severe weather, and we know just how important disaster recovery funding is to getting our community back on its feet,” Mr Dalton said.

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“From repairing damaged roads and infrastructure to helping local families and small businesses recover, this funding is absolutely critical for our region.”

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In a statement, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the revised framework followed extensive consultation and was intended to provide communities with greater funding certainty after disasters.

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The Government also confirmed councils would retain the ability to claim eligible Counter Disaster Operations costs, while funding activation thresholds would be revised.

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While the funding arrangement has been retained, Mr Willcox said further details of the remaining disaster recovery reforms still needed to be worked through, adding he would continue monitoring their impact on regional councils.

For Mackay and surrounding areas, the decision maintains the existing Commonwealth contribution towards eligible recovery costs, providing continued support for councils tasked with repairing local infrastructure and helping communities recover when disaster strikes.

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