News
Mornington Island faces multi-million-dollar shortfall under Federal disaster funding cutback
When Tropical Cyclone Kirrily cut Ballaleah Road on Mornington Island in early 2024, residents were shut off with no alternate road to take. Under a proposed change to disaster funding by the Albanese government, the next repair bill could be one that Council simply cannot pay.
North West Queensland unites against federal disaster funding changes
North West Queensland leaders have ramped up their opposition to the federal government’s proposed disaster funding cuts a Disaster Funding and Agricultural Round Table in Julia Creek last week.
Joining the group at the table were Minister for Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy, Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett, Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Sean Dillon, Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, AgForce President, Shane McCarthy and Queensland Reconstruction Authority, CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd).
Remote communities face millions in disaster recovery shortfalls under Federal proposal
Remote communities could be left to foot million-dollar bills for critical disaster repairs and resilience works under proposed Federal Government changes to disaster recovery funding.
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils is calling on the Federal Government to scrap a proposed move to 50:50 federal state funding, warning it would shift an impossible cost burden onto some of Australia’s most remote, disaster-exposed communities.
Regional Waste Behaviour Change and Environmental Health Coordinator
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) is seeking an energetic and adventure driven appointee to be their inaugural Regional Waste Behaviour Change and Environmental Health Coordinator.
Reporting to the CEO to 30 June 2028, and based anywhere in North West Queensland, this split position will deliver two business functions for the benefit of NWQROC members and the broader communities they represent.
NWQROC statement on federal government’s proposed DRFA changes
Disaster recovery policy must recognise the realities of place.
NWQROC does not support the proposed changes to Australia’s disaster recovery funding arrangements, particularly the move toward a 50:50 funding split between the Commonwealth and State.
North West Queensland council funding and fiscal sustainability in focus at Townsville hearing
Representatives from the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils spoke at the Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability held in Townsville today.
The hearing discussions provided an important platform for our region’s leaders to highlight the structural challenges facing councils across North West Queensland - one of Queensland’s most remote, geographically vast and economically significant regions.
Expressions of Interest - NWQROC Management of Legacy Waste Stockpiles
The North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified Respondents to provide information and engage in discussions regarding options for the removal and potential reuse of waste streams and legacy waste across the NWQROC region.
Disaster-hit regions call out Albanese government’s decision to reject support
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is being urged to urgently reverse his government’s decision to reject an application for a restocking allowance to support the agricultural industry to get back on its feet following the devastating North West Queensland floods.
Mayors from across the North West impacted by the disasters have joined with key industry groups AgForce and the Queensland Farmers Federation in a call to the Federal Government to not to turn its back on primary producers and communities when they need support the most.
Keeping the North West moving through challenges and opportunity
If you live in the North West, or you have travelled through our part of the world, you know distance is our everyday reality. Hitting the road or taking a flight is part of life, business, education, health and work.
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.
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.
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.