Grants seed recovery growth for Queensland primary producers

5 February 2026

Primary production in one of Queensland’s most spectacular but weather-exposed regions is challenging at the best of times.

Severe weather events can leave a lasting impact on farming communities, wreaking havoc on crops, infrastructure and livelihoods.

This is the harsh reality for Mathew and Sarah Di Mauro, third and fourth-generation sugar cane and watermelon farmers from El Arish on the Cassowary Coast.

In recent times their journey has been shaped by perseverance in the face of numerous disaster events that have battered Far North Queensland.

In December 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused widespread flooding and damage along the Cassowary Coast, affecting crops, infrastructure, and access across farms.

Just over a year later in January 2025, the region was again swamped by flooding following significant rainfall from the North and Far North Tropical Low.

That second bout of flooding not only brought its own devastating impacts, it also exacerbated damage still left behind from Cyclone Jasper.

Paddocks were washed out, topsoil was stripped away, and debris was scattered across the Di Mauro farm, making it difficult for Mathew and Sarah to even know where to begin with their recovery.

But financial support through the Australian and Queensland Governments’ jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) helped the Di Mauros to keep going.

Working closely with the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), the Di Mauros secured an Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant which provided much needed cash to help them put their farms back together.

The grant helped fund essential clean-up and repair works, allowing the couple to restore damaged paddocks and farm infrastructure to get production back on track.

Further damage from the January 2025 flood event again saw the Di Mauros apply for DRFA assistance to help them rebuild.

For Mathew and Sarah, QRIDA’s support has been a lifeline, and their story is a testament QRIDA’s vital role in supporting Queensland’s primary producers.

Through DRFA concessional loans, disaster recovery grants, and personalised regional support, QRIDA is helping farming families grow, adapt, and thrive despite the challenges they face.

Eligible primary producers facing the daunting task of disaster recovery can contact QRIDA through their Disaster Recovery webpage or by calling 1800 623 946.

Producers can also access further DRFA assistance such as freight subsidies and fodder support through Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries.

This story is based on content originally published on QRIDA’s website.

Sarah and Mathew Di Mauro, third and fourth-generation sugar cane and watermelon farmers from El Arish on the Cassowary Coast, are no strangers to the impacts of severe weather.

1/4

During Tropical Cyclone Jasper, crossings throughout the Di Mauro's farm were washed out and topsoil was pushed off paddocks.

2/4

Cyclone Jasper also caused significant damage to drainage and other key infrastructure on the farm, leaving Sarah and Mathew with a massive clean-up bill and a lengthy recovery.

3/4

With the support of QRIDA's specialist regional team and leveraging the authority's recovery consulting services, the Di Mauros were able to access the disaster grants they needed to get back on their feet and return their farm to full operations.

4/4