News
Gilbert River Bridge failure again highlights urgent infrastructure gap
Local leaders from across North West and Far North Queensland say repeated flooding and ongoing safety risks at a key, cross-regional link – the Gilbert River Bridge - highlight the urgent need for a firm funding commitment from state and federal governments to deliver a fit-for-purpose replacement crossing.
North West Queenslanders call on government to urgently cut disaster red tape
As North West Queensland enters a second week of devastating flooding, local leaders are calling on the Australian and Queensland governments to urgently reduce bureaucracy and improve access to disaster funding for primary producers and local businesses.
With more rain and a potential cyclone forecast, councils, communities, business and primary producers remain focused on response and early recovery, while raising concerns about the complexity and delays associated with accessing disaster assistance.
North West Qld councils call out critical flood warning shortfalls as communities brace for more rain
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) has called out the inadequacy and unreliability of flood warning data that continues to risk lives and livelihoods, as flooding continues and communities prepare for further severe weather.
$38 million in disaster support for north-west Queensland
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today committed an additional $38 million towards large-scale disaster recovery efforts for flood affected communities across north-west Queensland.
Targeted investments will be made across programs and projects that will assist the recovery of flood affected farmers and communities.
Additional flood support activated
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have extended financial support to additional Queensland councils and impacted primary producers following extensive flooding over the Christmas period.
Primary producers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond shire LGAs can also now access low interest Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant and equipment or livestock. Essential Working Capital loans of up to $100,000 are also available for those that have suffered a significant loss of income.
Emergency fodder support package to help flooded graziers in North Queensland
A $2 million Coordinated Emergency Support Package for North Queensland has been established to help farmers feed isolated and stranded stock following ongoing monsoonal flooding.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the emergency fodder support package will support primary producers in the McKinlay Shire Council to feed stranded livestock.
North West Qld councils responding to widespread flooding across the region
The North West Queensland councils across the region are actively responding to flooding caused by monsoonal rainfall over the past week.
Councils the region have been preparing for the wet season and are now fully engaged in response operations as significant rainfall has resulted in flooding, widespread road closures, regional isolation and impacts to critical infrastructure.
NWQROC welcomes extension of NAIF to support regional growth
NWQROC has welcomed the Federal Government’s 10-year extension of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), highlighting the fund’s critical importance in supporting economic development, infrastructure investment and long-term resilience across North West Queensland.
Local leaders across NWQ sound alarm at changes to EPBC Act
NWQROC has raised major concerns about the Federal Government’s recent amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), warning that the changes risk serious consequences for communities and industries across the region.
United NWQ voice ready for take-off ahead of review
Cr Barry Hughes, NWQROC Chair
With this my final column contribution for the year, I want start by acknowledging the hard work and determination of the many people, organisations and leaders across the region and beyond who have worked with NWQROC in 2025 to keep our part of the state moving forward.
Building drought resilience in North West Queensland
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils has secured funding through the Regional Drought Resilience Program (RDRP) to begin delivering key actions in the North West Queensland Regional Drought Resilience Plan (2024–2030).
Reflection, Connection, and Inspiration at LGAQ Conference
Cr Janene Fegan, NWQROC Deputy Chair
It’s been a busy few months across the North West, and while there’s no slowing down for our local councils, and October offered a valuable pause for reflection, connection, and inspiration at the 2025 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference on the Gold Coast.
Statement on Rex Airlines
Local leaders from across North West Queensland have welcomed the announcement that Air T Inc has signed a Sale and Implementation Deed to purchase Regional Express (REX) Airlines, marking a positive step toward enhanced certainty for regional air services.
NWQROC appoints new Executive Officer
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh Dyke as its new Executive Officer, following a competitive search for the right candidate ready to lead the next chapter of the organisation.
NWQROC welcomes Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) is pleased to welcome Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council as its newest member, further strengthening the collaboration between councils across the region.
North West Queensland calls on Rex administrators to ‘get on with it.’
NWQROC Chair Cr Barry Hughes, said the announcement by the federal government last week regarding Rex Airlines is a welcome step toward in ensuring regional routes are maintained in the short term, but added that the frustration of the protracted sale process and disruption experienced by communities cannot continue indefinitely.
Engagement, Partnership and Pathways to Prosperity
Cr Barry Hughes, NWQROC Chair
There is no question that the future of North West Queensland is rich with opportunity, from energy transformation to thriving primary industries and essential infrastructure. But seizing that opportunity depends on one critical element: partnership.
Expressions of Interest - Executive Officer
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) is seeking to engage a suitably qualified Executive Officer to lead and manage the strategic, organisational, and operational responsibilities of the organisation.
Building a strong, resilient future for our region
Cr Barry Hughes, NWQROC Chair
As the dust settles on the recent federal election, in the North West we continue to turn our attention to the job at hand - building a strong, resilient future for our region - with our recent board meeting held in Mount Isa on the 7-8 May.
Statement from the Chair Cr Barry Hughes: Resignation of Executive Officer
After guiding the North West Queensland Regional Organisations of Councils (NWQROC) through significant growth and achievements, Executive Officer Greg Hoffman PSM, has made the decision to step down from his role after seven years.