More local governments to access disaster assistance funding

As Queensland’s flood emergency spreads south from the north through to central and western Queensland, so has the activation of joint Commonwealth and state assistance through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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

This will allow these local governments to cover the costs of their initial counter disaster operations aimed at community safety, such as sandbagging and debris clearing, as well as funding the reconstruction of essential public assets such as roads, floodways and bridges 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 since Christmas 2025. 

Meanwhile, flood-affected small businesses in Aurukun, Burdekin, Isaac, Mackay, Pormpuraaw and Whitsunday can now access low interest DRFA disaster assistance loans of up to $250,000, enabling them to resume operations and keep their heads above water.

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 like fuel that are necessary for business to continue.

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 joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) stands ready to extend DRFA assistance wherever it is needed to help communities recover from this latest round of extreme flooding.

A full list of activated LGAs and support is available on the Activations page on QRA’s website.