$5 million disaster loans now available for outback producers

19 September 2025

Low interest loans up to $5 million can now be accessed by western Queensland primary producers affected by this year's flooding disaster.

The funds are available to help farmers re-establish normal operations and can be used to repair or replace damaged plant, equipment or building, and for the purchase of livestock to replace those lost in the disaster.

Loans are available to producers in the local government areas of Balonne, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, and Winton.

Applications for the loans, which have an interest rate of 2.14%, close on 31 December 2026.

This financial assistance is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help hard working primary producers get back on their feet.

It’s further good news for producers after the Queensland Government expanded the eligible activities covered by grants for primary producers to include removal of damaged crops, plants and trees and purchase of seed, seedlings or trees to immediately resume operations.

The Government has also worked closely with the Commonwealth to broaden the definition of primary production under the DRFA to better account for income derived from off-farm production.

The scope has been extended to include contracting businesses including farm irrigation services, mustering, shearing and silage baling businesses and timber plantation maintenance services.

Inclusion of these contracting businesses applies to the North and Far North Tropical Low, Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and the Western Queensland Surface Trough disaster events of early 2025.

Financial assistance available to primary producers for these events include: 

For more information about the Disaster Assistance Loans, call 1800 623 946 or visit QRIDA’s website.