North Queensland’s ongoing flood recovery efforts have been boosted with the announcement of three new funding packages worth more than $77 million, with Burdekin residents now eligible for legal support under the expanded assistance.
The packages, jointly delivered by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), are designed to support recovery and boost resilience across flood-affected areas, including the Burdekin.
In particular, Burdekin residents and businesses severely impacted by the 2025 monsoonal flooding event are now eligible to access free legal assistance to help them navigate issues such as insurance claims, tenancy disputes, and property damage.
The three key recovery packages include:
$73 million Environmental Recovery Program – to restore catchments, coastlines, and national parks, and protect key natural and cultural sites;
$3.12 million Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Recovery Program – focused on repairs and disaster mitigation in Charters Towers;
$1.42 million Legal Assistance Relief – available to flood-affected residents and businesses in Burdekin and other impacted LGAs.
With these new packages, more than $507 million in DRFA support is now being delivered across North and Far North Queensland in response to the devastating North and Far North Tropical Low disaster earlier this year.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kirsty McBain said the scale of the disaster demanded a recovery effort just as significant.
“From the get-go we have stressed our unwavering support to all north Queenslanders impacted by this disaster,” Minister McBain said.
“We are committed to ongoing recovery efforts in the region and determined to see this work through - actions such as stabilising erosion, revegetating waterways, controlling weeds and pests, and biodiversity conservation will ensure we not only recover but are ready for the future.”
While the environmental package will be delivered across 40 LGAs including Burdekin, legal support is specifically being extended to residents in Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Tablelands and Yarrabah.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy also highlighted the importance of infrastructure restoration and the broader regional benefits of the new programs.
“Having safe and reliable water supply improves health and economic outcomes. It gives residents peace of mind, and businesses confidence,” Minister Leahy said.
“Charters Towers Regional Council will soon be able to manage their water and sewerage assets with certainty, and avoid any flood risks to the infrastructure.”
Local residents or businesses in the Burdekin seeking legal assistance as part of the new funding can find more details, along with further information on all current disaster recovery programs, at www.qra.qld.gov.au.
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