- Flood-affected residents in three Charters Towers localities can now access Personal Hardship Assistance to aid their disaster recovery.
- A time extension on emergency hardship grants has been approved for six local government areas in the north-west.
- Additional new disaster support measures available for coastal and bush LGAs supporting producers, small businesses, not-for-profits and councils.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have extended personal hardship assistance to flood-affected Charters Towers residents in Campaspe, Homestead and Llanarth, as the effects of the prolonged monsoon trough continue to be felt across northern Queensland.
Support includes payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more for emergency essentials like food, clothing and medicine, and measures targeting low income, uninsured residents.
Ongoing flooding has also triggered an extension of time for emergency and essential services hardship grants in six local government areas, with impacted residents in Carpentaria, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton now having until 27 March 2026 to apply for assistance.
This support is provided by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
DRFA assistance is also helping more primary producers in the outback, with disaster loans up to $250,000, freight subsidies up to $5,000, and emergency fodder support expanded to Boulia and Diamantina.
Flood hit small businesses in Boulia and Diamantina can also access loans up to $250,000, while impacted not-for-profits in Rockhampton can apply for loans up to $100,000, supporting recovery activities and ongoing operational requirements.
The councils of Blackall-Tambo, Quilpie and Tablelands can now access disaster funding for their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
Across Queensland, 49 LGAs are currently receiving DRFA assistance in response to relentless rain and associated flooding that has swamped much of Queensland since Christmas.
Applications for Personal Hardship Assistance can be made at www.disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Information on disaster loans is available at www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1800 623 946, while producers can call the Queensland Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23 to discuss freight subsidies, and their local council for fodder support.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said ongoing assistance delivery through the DRFA acknowledged the prolonged and profound flood event.
"All sectors are feeling the strain, and the Albanese Government remains dedicated to ensuring impacted communities have the assistance they need to overcome these floods," Minister McBain said.
"Whether you're a family, a producer, a small business operator, or manage a not-for-profit, we are here to help."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the new assistance extensions will ensure all Queenslanders affected by the floods are looked after throughout the recovery process.
"Ensuring the right support is delivered to our disaster impacted Queenslanders remains a priority for the Crisafulli Government," Minister Leahy said.
"With a comprehensive support framework in place our state is well placed to overcome this flooding and get back to thriving."
For the full list of activated LGAs and DRFA support available please visit the Activations page on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.
