Supporting Rural and Regional Queensland After the Floods

Supporting Rural and Regional Queensland After the Floods

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Long term recovery efforts in flood affected regions across North, North West and Central Queensland have been strengthened through a commitment of $26.6 million from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments.

This support responds to the extensive flooding caused by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex Tropical Cyclone Koji, which brought record rainfall from Christmas through the New Year. Funding focuses on recovery for primary producers, small businesses, clean up needs and mental health initiatives under the joint Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Support for Primary Producers

Primary producers directly impacted by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and Flooding may apply for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants. These grants provide up to $75,000 to support clean up and reinstatement of primary production activities.

Eligible activities include:

  • Hiring or purchasing equipment and materials for clean up
  • Removing debris and disposing of damaged goods or stock
  • Repairs to essential plant, equipment and non-residential farm infrastructure
  • Restoring fencing where it is not covered by other assistance
  • Purchasing fodder and supporting livestock health
  • Replacing lost livestock
  • Replacing damaged crops, seedlings and root stock

Producers can initially access up to $10,000 by providing evidence of direct damage, such as photographs, quotations or invoices. Subsequent applications may be lodged for the remaining amount up to $65,000. All later claims must include full proof of payment for eligible recovery costs.

Available to primary producers in the following defined disaster areas:

  • Carpentaria Shire Council
  • Cloncurry Shire Council
  • Croydon Shire Council
  • Flinders Shire Council
  • McKinlay Shire Council
  • Richmond Shire Council
  • Winton Shire Council

To confirm your eligibility and applications can be lodged through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority at www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

Support for Small Businesses

Small businesses affected by the same flooding event can access their own stream of Disaster Recovery Grants. These grants provide financial support for clean-up, reinstatement and the continuation of business operations. Eligible small businesses may receive up to $25,000 depending on the level of verified damage.

Eligible applicants may claim:

  • Clean up equipment and materials
  • Labour costs that exceed normal staffing levels
  • Disposal of damaged goods and stock
  • Repairs to non-residential buildings
  • Safety inspections by qualified tradespeople
  • Repairs to plant, equipment and internal fittings that insurance does not cover
  • Leasing or purchasing equipment needed to resume operations

Businesses can initially access $5,000 by providing evidence of direct damage, which may include photographs, quotations, tax invoices or official receipts. After the initial payment, businesses may make a further claim of up to $20,000, provided they supply full proof of payment for all eligible recovery expenses.

If your business has insurance, QRIDA will need the details. This includes a copy of your policy and any claim you have lodged. QRIDA cannot finalise your Disaster Assistance Grant application until your insurer has confirmed the outcome of that claim, so providing this information early helps keep your application progressing.

Available to businesses in the following defined disaster areas:

  • Aurukun Shire Council
  • Burdekin Shire Council
  • Burke Shire Council
  • Carpentaria Shire Council
  • Cassowary Coast Regional Council
  • Cloncurry Shire Council
  • Croydon Shire Council
  • Flinders Shire Council
  • Isaac Regional Council
  • Mackay Regional Council
  • McKinlay Shire Council
  • Mount Isa City Council
  • Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
  • Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council
  • Richmond Shire Council
  • Townsville City Council
  • Whitsunday Regional Council
  • Winton Shire Council
  • Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

Business owners can check eligibility and apply online through the QRIDA portal at www.qrida.qld.gov.au.

If you require any assistance in understanding the taxation implications above, please contact your Hall Chadwick QLD advisor.

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