Joint media release with the Hon Julie Collins MP and the Hon Tony Perrett MP
- Deadline for North Queensland Restocking and On-Farm Infrastructure Grants extended for an extra six months to 31 December 2025
- The co-contribution grants of up to $150,000 can help primary producers impacted by the Northern and Central Queensland monsoon and flooding event between 2022 and 2023 to replace livestock and restore or rebuild lost and damaged on-farm infrastructure
- Applications for the grants remain open through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) website at qrida.qld.gov.au
Northern and Central Queensland primary producers directly impacted by the 2022 to 2023 monsoon and flooding event have more time to apply for disaster recovery co-contribution grants of up to $150,000.
The Australian and Queensland Governments have extended the application deadline for the North Queensland Restocking and On-Farm Infrastructure Grants to 31 December 2025.
The deadline extension will give primary producers who have been impacted by multiple disasters over recent years more time to complete recovery activities.
Primary producers located in the local government areas of Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington, and Mount Isa may be eligible for the grants.
The grants can help primary producers with the costs of restocking livestock and rebuilding or restoring on-farm infrastructure that was lost or damaged as a direct result of the disaster event which occurred from 20 December 2022 to 30 April 2023.
To be eligible for the new scheme, primary producers must have received an Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant for the Northern and Central Queensland Monsoon and Flooding, 20 December 2022 - 30 April 2023 event prior to applying for a North Queensland Restocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grant.
Applications for the scheme remain open on QRIDA's website at qrida.qld.gov.au until 31 December 2025 or until the available $5 million funding is fully utilised.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kirsty McBain MP:
"Primary producers in North and Central Queensland have weathered repeated blows from severe flooding and monsoonal rain, and this extension recognises the time it takes to recover, rebuild and replan after such large scale devastation," Minister McBain said.
"These grants are about supporting producers to restock and restore critical on farm infrastructure, so they can return to producing the high quality food and fibre that communities across Australia rely on.
"By working hand in hand with the Queensland Government, we're helping ensure regional industries not only recover but are better prepared to face the challenges of future disaster seasons."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins MP:
"These grants will help with the repair and recovery costs for North and Central Queensland farmers and I know it is critical support.
"Our primary producers are the backbone of regional Australia, and we're making sure they have the support they need to bounce back stronger from this disaster.
"Extending the deadline for this funding means farmers can focus on rebuilding and getting back to work without the weight of financial uncertainty hold them back."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Department of Primary Industries Tony Perrett MP:
"Its important primary producers can access the assistance they need when they need it, extending the application period will take some of the pressure of people recovering from these disasters," Minister Perrett said.
"I encourage any grazier eligible for the North Queensland Restocking and On-Farm Infrastructure Grants who has not applied to take advantage of this extension and apply.
"The Queensland Government in partnership with the Federal Government has primary producers' backs during disasters and in the long road to recovery."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Rural and Regional Development Dale Last MP:
"This extension gives impacted producers more time to access support, rebuild essential infrastructure, and restock at a pace that works for their recovery," Minister Last said.
"It's also an investment in the long-term strength of our regional and rural communities, supporting local jobs, and backing the industries that keep Queensland moving."
More information about the North Queensland Restocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grants:
The $5 million North Queensland Restocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grants are available in addition to the financial assistance already delivered under the joint Australian and Queensland Government Disaster Recovery Assistance schemes.
The financial assistance previously made available for the Northern and Central Queensland Monsoon & Flooding, 20 December 2022 - 30 April 2023 event included:
- Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants up to $75,000 (closed for this disaster event); and
- Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 (closed for this disaster event).
The Restocking and On-farm Infrastructure Grant scheme is being delivered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on behalf of the Australian and Queensland Governments.
Primary producers can contact QRIDA by calling 1800 623 946 to speak to one of QRIDA's disaster team members or to connect with QRIDA's North West and Gulf Regional Area Manager, Sam Fryer, to discuss their individual circumstances.
