News
North West leaders raise alarm at short-sighted electoral boundary changes
North West Queensland mayors have voiced strong opposition to the proposed state electoral boundary changes, warning they will diminish the voice of remote communities and undermine critical collaboration.
Representing the region’s 12 councils, the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) says the draft redistribution, which would see the electorate of Traeger renamed Flinders and expanded east to incorporate part of the abolished seat of Hill, fails to reflect reality on the ground.
NWQROC delegation: Advocacy in action in Brisbane
This week, a North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils delegation will be in Brisbane for two days of meetings with State Government Ministers, Members of Parliament and senior departmental representatives.
This delegation brings together mayors, councillors and chief executive officers from across our region, united in a clear purpose – to advocate for North West Queensland and to ensure our communities are front of mind in government decision-making.
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.