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.

For disaster-prone and geographically vast regions like North West Queensland, this shift would place an unsustainable burden on councils and communities already managing the repeated impacts of floods, cyclones and other severe weather events.

Reducing access to recovery and resilience funding risks slowing recovery, weakening preparedness and shifting costs onto communities that can least afford them.

North West Queenslanders need flexible, practical and regionally appropriate funding arrangements that support recovery, resilience and betterment, not policies that narrow the ability to respond effectively. 

We will continue working closely with the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils and the Local Government Association of Queensland to advocate for fair, workable and sustainable disaster funding arrangements for our communities.