Extra flood recovery support rolled out for North Queensland communities

Additional disaster assistance has been activated for more communities across north Queensland following widespread monsoonal flooding.

Emergency fodder support has been expanded and new disaster assistance loans are now available to eligible primary producers, with funding delivered through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have extended financial support to further local government areas and affected farmers after extensive flooding over the Christmas period.

Burke, Cassowary Coast, Croydon, Mount Isa, Palm Island, Winton and Yarrabah councils have now been activated for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets. Townsville City Council has also been activated to access funding for counter disaster operations.

A $2 million Coordinated Emergency Support Package for North Queensland has been expanded beyond McKinlay Shire to include the Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders and Richmond shires. The package will help producers deliver fodder to isolated and stranded livestock.

Primary producers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond local government areas can also access low-interest Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant, equipment or livestock. Essential Working Capital loans of up to $100,000 are also available for businesses that have suffered significant income loss.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said DRFA support would continue to flow to communities impacted by the ongoing flooding.

"These monsoonal conditions have had a huge impact on communities, livestock, roads and infrastructure," she said. "This activation ensures councils have the funding they need to repair essential infrastructure and recover the costs of their disaster response."

She said affected farmers and graziers would also be able to access low-interest loans to help them recover and remain viable during the difficult period.

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said additional assistance was being rolled out as the flooding event continued.

"This funding will support clean-up and repairs of critical public assets across seven additional local government areas, while Townsville's counter disaster operations will also be covered," she said.

"Primary producers in flood-affected regions can now access loans of up to $250,000 to replace livestock, repair damaged infrastructure and keep their businesses operating as floodwaters recede."