An $88 million investment from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments will protect critical infrastructure for some of Queensland's most remote communities.
The Crucial Access Links Program is being funded through efficiencies realised under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The Crucial Access Links Program will safeguard transport linkages and access routes for rural and remote communities, aiding connectivity and emergency response during disasters.
Managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), the program will allow councils to repair and upgrade airstrips, boat ramps and seaports in communities regularly isolated by extreme weather.
The high-priority infrastructure projects have been identified by councils through their Regional Resilience Strategies and Local Resilience Action Plans.
QRA has worked closely with councils to plan for these projects, with the focus now turning to delivery for communities.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said helping Queenslanders access critical services during an emergency would greatly benefit regional communities.
"We know Queenslanders in regional areas are resilient and familiar with the impacts of severe weather like tropical cyclones and flooding rains," Minister McBain said.
"In response to the increasing severity and frequency of recent disasters we're ensuring that wherever someone lives they can rely on the crucial infrastructure assets in their area.
"That's why our Governments are supporting these councils to upgrade air and water access points with this significant joint funding realised through DRFA efficiencies.
"These councils have identified the lessons from challenges that isolation can pose, and we know that strengthening these access points will make it easier for authorities to deliver essential supplies when they're needed most.
"Our government is committed to helping councils apply those learnings and take real action to build resilience in their communities."
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said all Queenslanders deserved to feel safe from severe weather, no matter where they lived.
"Some of our most remote communities can be isolated for weeks following an extreme weather event," Minister Leahy said.
"When cyclones or flooding make infrastructure like airstrips and boat ramps inaccessible, getting food, water and medical supplies to impacted Queenslanders becomes very difficult.
"This $88 million investment in Queensland's rural and remote areas will help safeguard communities and keep them connected in a disaster or period of isolation.
"These upgrades will make it easier for authorities to respond in an emergency.
"After another intense disaster season in 2024-25 we are determined to increase resilience across our state.
"This latest $88 million efficiencies allocation is yet another reminder the Crisafulli Government backs the regions."
Crucial Access Links projects:
- Balonne Shire Council: St George Aerodrome upgrade - $557,000
- Bulloo Shire Council: Noccundra Airstrip upgrade - $3.51 million
- Carpentaria Shire Council: Port of Karumba business case - $550,000
- Central Highlands Regional Council: Rolleston Airstrip water supply and firefighting appliances - $300,000
- Douglas Shire Council: Daintree Ferry landing - $8.5 million
- Etheridge Shire Council: Georgetown Airstrip and Sandy Creek upgrade - $3 million
- Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council: Everlina Bridge flood immunity upgrade - $5.43 million
- Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council: Hope Vale Airstrip flood immunity upgrade - $5.13 million
- Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council: Kowanyama Aerodrome infrastructure rehabilitation - $7.95 million
- Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council: Lockhart River chlorine dosing and analysing system and self bunded fuel storage tank upgrade - $714,000
- Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council: Mapoon Airstrip upgrade - $2 million
- Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council: Northern Peninsula Airport runway upgrade - $18.16 million
- Quilpie Shire Council: Quilpie Airport upgrade - $11.6 million
- Richmond Shire Council: Richmond Airstrip upgrade - $13.1 million
- Torres Strait Island Regional Council: Boigu Island Airport apron upgrade - $7.5 million
