New support boosts flood recovery for north-west communities

With northern Queensland in the grip of a prolonged monsoon trough, flood-affected residents in three localities across Charters Towers are the latest to be activated for disaster assistance.

Residents in the hardest-hit areas of Campaspe, Homestead and Llanarth can now access Personal Hardship Assistance to aid their recovery

Eligible residents can receive payments of up to $180 for individuals or up to $900 for families of five or more to help cover essential items such as food, clothing, and medicines.

In addition, a time extension has been approved for emergency hardship grants in six north-west local government areas: Carpentaria, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton. 

Impacted residents now have until 27 March 2026 to apply for this vital assistance through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

More support is also available for flood-affected primary producers in Boulia and Diamantina who can now access DRFA disaster loans up to $250,000, freight subsidies of up to $5,000, and expanded emergency fodder support. 

Flood affected small businesses in these areas can also access loans up to $250,000, and not-for-profit organisations in Rockhampton are eligible for loans of up to $100,000 to support recovery and ongoing operations.

In addition, councils in Blackall-Tambo, Quilpie and the Tablelands are receiving DRFA funding to assist with counter-disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets. 

To date, 49 local government areas across Queensland are benefiting from the DRFA following widespread rainfall and flood impacts from this ongoing event since Christmas 2025.

Flood-affected Queenslanders can apply for Personal Hardship Assistance at Queensland Community Recovery or by calling 1800 173 349. 

For information on freight subsidies, farmers can call the Queensland Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23, while disaster loans are available through QRIDA or by calling 1800 623 946.