Another $269 million to build a stronger North Queensland

New recovery packages worth a combined $269 million will strengthen North Queensland against future disaster events. Packages target infrastructure, community and mental health, small business, primary producers and tourism, and the environment. Assistance jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.

New disaster recovery packages worth more than $269 million have been announced to support North Queensland’s recovery from last month’s floods. Funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the assistance measures include: $205 million to build a more resilient Bruce Highway and other key state-owned connection roads and assets like Ollera Creek Bridge, allowing them to be built back to a more resilient standard.

$26.23 million Small Business and Tourism Recovery Support Package including financial assistance for operators who lost income after being cut off. $18.9 million Community Health and Wellbeing Package, providing impacted, vulnerable and at-risk residents with personal and emotional support. $9.7 million Mental Health Package for individual and family therapeutic care to mitigate mental health impacts caused by the floods.

$7.1 million Primary Production Industry Support Package to help farmers with recovery activities and disaster preparedness planning. $2.1 million Environmental Recovery Package to support the restoration of north Queensland’s unique coastline and land ecosystems. PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community.

We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.