The Albanese and Miles Governments have announced a fourth round of support to help recovery and resilience for Far North Queensland communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The package, estimated to cost $64 million will be cost-shared 50-50 by the Federal and State Governments. It will support recovery for FNQ's vital tourism industry, farmers, small businesses and not for profits. It includes:
- $25 million in Extraordinary Recovery Grants for primary producers.
- $25 million in Extraordinary Recovery Grants for small businesses and not-for-profits.
- $9 million in Local Recovery and Resilience Grants for eligible councils.
- $5 million for Tourism Recovery in the region.
A range of previously announced financial and recovery DRFA assistance is also available to affected local governments and communities across the Far North.
These measures include Personal Hardship Assistance payments, Structural Assistance Grants, disaster loans and freight subsidies, and funding to help reconnect essential services and replace household contents.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"This $64 million package provides positive news for the Far North following so much heartbreaking devastation," Prime Minister Albanese said.
"The grants will put money directly into the hands of the employers and providers of the region, while the tourism package is going to help this part of Queensland shine once more.
"Eligible councils can use their Recovery and Resilience Grants, not only to build back from Jasper, but to bring forward works that will strengthen their region against future severe weather.
"Recovery from this event will be a huge undertaking and this support is just the first phase of the assistance that we know will be required. My government is working with Queensland to determine what broader help is needed."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Steven Miles:
"The Queensland Government stands shoulder to shoulder with communities in Far North Queensland," Premier Miles said.
"This initial extraordinary funding provides significant assistance to Queenslanders at the heart of our economy – farmers, small business owners and tourism operators.
"If we can get our FNQ industries and businesses firing again, that drives recovery for the whole region, safeguarding local jobs and attracting visitors back.
"Through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, we'll continue working with councils, state agencies and the Commonwealth to develop further exceptional circumstances DRFA packages that shape and progress recovery."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
"This funding provides reassurance that we are committed to standing by Queensland communities to help with recovery, as long as it takes.
"This package will help Queensland communities bounce back, and I'm particularly pleased that farmers and primary producers will get support to help their businesses recover.
"We will continue to work with our Queensland state colleagues to provide support during this challenging period."
Quotes attributable to Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:
"This is just the very early stage of recovery assistance that we are going to provide to Far North Queensland," Ms Boyd said.
"There will be many challenges ahead, but I am confident that we have the people, the capacity, and the will, to put this important region back on its feet."
