Joint media release with the Hon Ann Leahy MP
- Brisbane and Toowoomba councils have been activated for disaster assistance following severe storms on 26 October.
- Support will cover Brisbane's counter disaster operations, emergency road repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets, while localities in Toowoomba will receive counselling support.
- Assistance is provided through joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Disaster assistance has been triggered for the Brisbane and Toowoomba local government areas following severe storms which swept across the South East Queensland region on 26 October 2025.
Brisbane City Council has been activated for assistance after reporting significant damage to infrastructure including local road networks that require urgent repairs to keep communities connected.
Support through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA) will fund councils' response, clean-up and recovery, including emergency repairs to essential public assets.
Through the DRFA, Community Recovery in Queensland is also providing personal and financial counselling to people impacted by the storms in Clifton, Greenmount and Nobby within the Toowoomba Regional Council area.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said providing assistance to councils was essential to driving recovery work following the storms.
"Activities such as removing debris, emergency road repairs, and clearing culverts and drains help communities get back on their feet as soon as possible following weather events like storms," Minister McBain said.
"This work is central to protecting communities and maintaining public safety in the wake of disaster events.
"The storm season is upon us but Queensland communities can be sure that when they are impacted, funding through the DRFA will help bring relief and repair damage."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said this is the first Queensland DRFA activation for the 2025-26 season.
"These recent wild storms again showed what Queenslanders know well - our weather can change suddenly and with severe consequences," Minister Leahy said.
"But they are timely reminders that Queenslanders should get ready and have their disaster preparations in place - understand your risk, make a plan, and pack an emergency kit.
"Through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), our government will work closely with all local governments and communities impacted by severe weather over the coming disaster season."
