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.
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.
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.