- Grants up to $100,000 are available for north and far north community projects to clean up debris and restore flood-damaged landscapes and habitats.
- The grants are funded by the new $2 million 2024–25 Environmental Recovery Package: Environmental Cleanup and Local Conservation Program.
- They are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Disaster affected North and Far North Queensland councils can now apply for their share of $2 million in grant funding under the 2024–25 Environmental Recovery Package: Environmental Cleanup and Local Conservation Program.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have announced a grant program to support on-ground environmental restoration efforts in eligible local government areas hit by record-breaking floods in January and February 2025.
The program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Grants of up to $100,000 are on offer for community-led projects that clean up debris and restore natural landscapes and habitats damaged by the floods.
Eligible activities include:
- Removing flood debris from coastlines, reserves, and waterways
- Replanting and weeding to help habitats bounce back
- Aerial surveys to map debris hotspots, and
- Boat-based cleanups in impacted rivers, islands, and coastal areas.
Projects must take place within eligible local government areas and applicants are encouraged to collaborate with Traditional Owners, local councils, Natural Resource Management groups, schools, and other community organisations.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the opening of these grants would allow for recovering communities to take important steps back to normalcy.
"North and Far North Queensland are home to some of Australia's greatest natural environments which have unfortunately been impacted by the floods earlier this year.
"This significant grant funding will help local governments continue the good work that they've done over the last few months to help their communities recover from the widespread damage.
"We're proud to be working with the Queensland Government to make these opportunities available and I encourage councils to consider what works they could use this funding for and to apply."
Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was pleased to support local environmental recovery efforts to ensure our incredible natural environment was restored.
"This is a great opportunity for communities to come together, recover their local environment, and build resilience for the future," Minister Powell said.
"By empowering communities to lead local clean up and conservation efforts, we also strengthen resilience, cultural connection to Country, and community wellbeing in the face of future natural disasters," Minister Powell said.
Details are available at www.detsi.qld.gov.au with applications opening on 27 August and closing at 4:00pm on 24 September 2025.
