Flood Assistance Extended to Support Whitsundays Recovery

Additional disaster assistance has been activated to support Whitsundays communities and primary producers impacted by ongoing flooding linked to the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

Flood-affected primary producers in the Whitsundays are now eligible to apply for disaster loans of up to $250,000, as well as freight subsidies of up to $5,000, to help businesses recover and maintain operations following widespread damage. The assistance is being delivered through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with 45 local government areas across northern Queensland now receiving support.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the scale and duration of the flooding had required further expansion of assistance.

“We’re making sure every area of Queensland impacted by this damaging event is receiving the help they need to recover,” Minister McBain said.

“As we continue to learn of the impacts from this period of severe weather, we’ll keep providing the financial assistance to councils and communities as required.”

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the assistance was vital for farmers and food security.

“We’ll always back our farmers and primary producers, with this support to help those impacted in North Queensland to clean up, sustain livestock, and mitigate the impacts of flooding and loss of pasture,” she said.

Whitsundays producers can access more information at www.qrida.qld.gov.au and www.dpi.qld.gov.au, with personal hardship assistance available via www.disaster.qld.gov.au or 1800 173 349.

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Residents and primary producers are encouraged to apply for the newly released disaster loans. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

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