What’s happening?
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have announced a new suite of disaster support packages to help Queensland communities recover from recent flooding.
The support will be delivered through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The package includes betterment works, environmental recovery, emergency fodder assistance, community clean-up support, and help for eligible small businesses and not-for-profits.
Mackay is included in the recovery package, with Mackay-Eungella Road named for resilience works and the Mackay area included in expanded community relief support.
The new support adds to earlier measures announced in response to the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji and Severe Weather event that commenced on 24 December 2025.
Why it matters?
The funding is intended to help communities recover from flood impacts and improve their capacity to manage future disasters.
It supports damaged infrastructure, helps restore natural areas, and provides practical relief for producers, businesses and community organisations facing ongoing recovery needs.
It also reflects a longer-term recovery approach, with support focused not only on immediate clean-up but also on stronger infrastructure and community resilience.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “Regional Queensland is a massive contributor to Australia and our nation’s economy, and we want to see these communities back to their best.”
Minister McBain said, “Support measures announced today will repair and improve vital access links, protect businesses and jobs, boost recovery in communities, and restore huge nature areas.”
She said, “Disaster recovery is a long and challenging road, but the Albanese Government determined to stay the course to ensure a brighter future for all.”
She said, “The extensive amount of DRFA assistance we continue to provide will have a positive impact in communities, allowing Queenslanders to take important steps forward.”
She said, “These funds will firm up our long-term recovery and help remote and regional Queensland withstand the effects of future disasters.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said, “These floods will not wash away our resolve in delivering for Queensland.”
Minister Leahy said, “The impacts have been immense, but we’re matching that intensity with our recovery efforts.”
She said, “With every disaster we’re committed to coming out the other side stronger than before, and our substantial Betterment and recovery investments will make sure of this.”
She said, “Betterment is a true pillar of our government and a commitment we’ve made to all Queenslanders in every corner of our state.”
She said, “The projects to be delivered with this funding will be transformational for disaster affected communities, industries and businesses.”
Local impact
Several regional communities will benefit from the package through infrastructure resilience work, environmental recovery, clean-up support and direct assistance measures.
The expanded Community Relief Fund will support clean-up and immediate recovery efforts in Bundaberg, Whitsunday, Etheridge, Winton, Rockhampton, Mackay and Livingstone.
The Betterment Program also includes essential infrastructure in the north, including the Flinders Highway, Mackay-Eungella Road, and key bridges, crossings and floodways.
By the numbers
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$89.91 million has been allocated to the Betterment Program, which will improve the disaster resilience of essential infrastructure in the north, including the Flinders Highway, Mackay-Eungella Road, and key bridges, crossings and floodways.
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$7.62 million will go to the Environmental Recovery Program, while $5 million will expand emergency fodder support for flood-affected primary producers in the hardest hit council areas.
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$3.65 million will expand the Community Relief Fund across Bundaberg, Whitsunday, Etheridge, Winton, Rockhampton, Mackay and Livingstone, and $990,000 will fund $15,000 grants for eligible small businesses in Carpentaria and Isaac.
Zoom in
The package combines long-term resilience projects with immediate practical recovery support.
That includes stronger infrastructure, environmental repair, community cleanup, and additional support for producers, businesses, and not-for-profits facing flood-related disruption.
It also doubles the Disaster Recovery Grant cap for eligible small businesses in 26 local government areas, from $25,000 to $50,000.
These increased grants are also being made available to eligible not-for-profits in 20 local government areas.
Zoom out
This latest round of support builds on more than $66 million in measures already announced for the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji and Severe Weather event that commenced on 24 December 2025.
It is in addition to the previously announced Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which have been activated across 59 local government areas.
Together, the measures show a broader recovery effort focused on both immediate needs and longer-term resilience.
What to look for next?
Applications for Small Business Recovery Assistance Grants will open through the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business.
Primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits can check their eligibility for disaster grants and loans through Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) or by calling 1800 623 946.
