More local governments able to access flood assistance

As Queensland’s flood emergency spreads across the state's north, west, and central interior, new activations are being made for joint Commonwealth-state assistance through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Support has now been extended to 13 additional councils, including Aurukun, Burdekin, Central Highlands, Diamantina, Isaac, Livingstone, Mackay, Mareeba, Mornington, Northern Peninsula, Pormpuraaw, Rockhampton, and Whitsunday. 

This will allow these local governments to cover the costs of their counter disaster operations to maintain community safety, such as sandbagging and debris clearing.

It will also fund the reconstruction of essential public assets such as roads, bridges and floodways, once the floodwaters go down.

In total, 31 local government areas across Queensland are now receiving funding assistance under the DRFA following the widespread rains and major flooding experienced throughout the state's north since Christmas 2025.

Meanwhile, flood affected small businesses in Aurukun, Burdekin, Isaac, Mackay, Pormpuraaw and Whitsunday can now access low interest disaster loans up to $250,000 to carry out urgent recovery actions.

Eligible businesses can also apply for Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 to sustain operations, including paying wages, rents or rates, or purchasing goods needed to maintain business continuity.

For disaster loan information and applications, small businesses can visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 623 946.

All financial support is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the DRFA.

A full list of activated LGAs and support available can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) Activations webpage.

QRA officers are working closely with all flood impacted councils and are in communities to help guide local recovery efforts.

For the latest Queensland disaster information, please visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au.