Funds for Queensland flood recovery
The state and federal governments have announced more than $100 million in disaster support for flood-ravaged Queensland communities.
Federal and state governments have announced funds to upgrade road networks, protect primary production operators and heal the natural environment through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DRFA).
New support also was announced on Thursday for eligible sport and racing organisations impacted by flooding in Bundaberg, through the state’s Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program (SRDRP).
Grants of up to $5,000 were now available for eligible organisations in declared disaster areas to help with immediate clean-up efforts.
Funding can be used for the replacement of damaged equipment that directly relates to the re-establishment of activities, as well as costs incurred with the clean-up.
Grants of up to $1,000 also were available for racing participants impacted across Queensland through Racing Queensland’s Training Assistance Fund.
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Queensland Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Minister Ann Leahy said this was an important recovery step for Bundaberg locals.
“This funding will provide much needed relief for trainers and volunteer-run clubs that simply do not have the capacity to absorb the cost of flood damage on their own,” Minister Leahy said.
“It is important that clean-up is carried out only when safe to do so and that volunteers and club members don’t put themselves at unnecessary risk during this time.
“The activation of this funding is a timely and practical response that will help local sporting clubs recover, repair damaged facilities and get players, volunteers and families back on the field.”
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Additional assistance will provide ongoing community clean-up efforts and support primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits with pressing recovery and operational needs through grants.
Federal minister for emergency management Kristy McBain announced this week that the joint federal and state measures focused on repairing and improving vital access links, protecting businesses and jobs, boosting recovery and restoring nature.
“These funds will firm up our long-term recovery and help remote and regional Queensland withstand the effects of future disasters,” McBain said.
There was $89.91 million to improve disaster resilience of essential infrastructure in the north, including Flinders Highway, Mackay-Eungella Road and key bridges, crossings and floodways.
Another $7.62 million for the Environmental Recovery Program was expected to help rejuvenate natural areas, repair damaged infrastructure and control pests, with a focus on national parks.
A further $5 million was being directed to the Coordinated Emergency Fodder Support Package, assisting more flood affected primary producers with livestock fodder distribution costs in the hardest hit council areas.
While $3.65 million would fund the Community Relief Fund expansion for clean-up and immediate recovery efforts in Bundaberg, Whitsunday, Etheridge, Winton, Rockhampton, Mackay and Livingstone.
The Small Business Recovery Assistance grants offered $990,000 of grants to eligible small businesses in Carpentaria and Issac indirectly impacted by the floods due to isolation, access disruptions and supply chain constraints.
Additionally, the Disaster Recovery Grant cap would double to $50,000 for eligible small businesses in 26 local government areas to support immediate clean-up and recovery activities.
Increased grants were available for eligible not-for-profits in 20 LGAs.
Primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits can check their eligibility for disaster grants and loans via www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.
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