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.

NWQROC acknowledges and thanks the many people working tirelessly across the region – including councils, emergency services, community members, and volunteers – who are rescuing people and stock, restocking supplies, repairing damage and supporting one another during this prolonged event.

We also thank both levels of government for the significant investment made through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The $38 million committed so far is a critical start to helping our communities get back on their feet on what we know can be a long and challenging road to recovery.

However, on the ground primary producers are telling us current recovery grant processes are complex, duplicates and adds another administrative burden at a time when energy and capacity are already stretched.

NWQROC urges both governments to work with councils and industry to streamline application and assessment processes, reduce unnecessary documentation, and adopt a more risk-based, trust-centred approach that reflects the realities of operating in remote and disaster-prone regions.

In addition to reducing red tape, NWQROC is seeking targeted amendments to recovery funding arrangements, including:

• the upfront payment of the full $75,000 Exceptional Disaster Assistance for primary producers, so that they can deliver immediate activities associated with recovering from the flood event

• the reinstatement of the $400,000 Restocking, Replanting and On Farm Infrastructure Grant previously available following the 2019 North West Queensland monsoon event to support restocking lost livestock, replanting lost or damaged crops and restoring or replacing lost or damaged on-farm infrastructure.

NWQROC is also calling for stronger support for local businesses.

We’re hearing from many business owners who continue to face financial pressure despite not being directly inundated by floodwaters. These businesses remain isolated, disrupted and responsible for ongoing costs, and are essential to the social and economic fabric of our communities.

Local businesses are fundamental to the social and economic fabric of North West Queensland. They provide essential goods and services, employ local people, support events, visitors and industries, and keep our towns viable in some of the most remote parts of the state. Supporting these businesses through this critical period is essential not only for economic recovery, but for community wellbeing and long-term regional resilience.

We have written to the Premier outlining these concerns and asks, and we stand at the ready to work in partnership with all levels governments to ensure recovery arrangements are practical, timely and effective, and deliver real support on the ground where it is needed most.

North West Queensland is not in the clear yet. As this event continues, we urge everyone to look after themselves and one another, and to reach out for support when needed. Our communities have faced tough times before – and together, we will get through this and come out stronger.

The above statement can be attributed to NWQROC Chair, Etheridge Shire Mayor Barry Hughes.