Joint media release with the Hon Ann Leahy MP
In response to western Queensland's record-breaking floods of early 2025, the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are delivering a raft of new support measures for the region.
Focus areas of the $191 million investment include road resilience, the environment, community facilities, and the mental wellbeing of affected residents.
Packages backed through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) include:
- $155 million Betterment Program to improve access to western and central Queensland by upgrading essential state-owned roads to a more resilient standard.
- $16 million Environmental Recovery for recovery and resilience activities to rehabilitate impacted catchment areas and national parks.
- $15 million Sport and Recreational Community Facilities Recovery to repair and rebuild affected community sport and recreational facilities.
- $4.77 million Mental Health Recovery providing psychological support and mental health services to assist people impacted by the flooding and help grow resilience.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said all efforts are being made to ensure western Queensland's full recovery.
"Australians can take heart in the knowledge that wherever they're located we have their back," Minister McBain said.
"We are with western Queenslanders for the long haul, every step of the way."
"Recovery of this scale is complex. That's why these packages are informed by our conversations with councils and communities."
"By fully understanding the impacts of the disaster and what locals need we will achieve the best possible outcomes for western Queenslanders."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the new support builds on extensive and comprehensive assistance already being provided.
"This new investment is in addition to the $232.5 million in packages already helping impacted western Queensland communities," Minister Leahy said.
"We're delivering crucial support for farmers, small businesses, community groups - all outback Queenslanders - to make sure we come back stronger from this disaster."
More information on these disaster support packages and others is available at Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
