In a joint effort, the Albanese and Miles Governments have announced a comprehensive support package for communities grappling with the aftermath of last year’s devastating bushfires in southern Queensland.
Bushfire Recovery Package for Southern Queensland
The primary component of the aid package comprises $5 million in Exceptional Circumstances Recovery Grants earmarked for farmers and primary producers in various Local Government areas.
These include Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Maranoa, North Burnett, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba, and Western Downs.
Eligible primary producers, directly impacted by the 2023 bushfires, can apply for grants of up to $75,000.
The funds are designated to address immediate recovery needs such as pasture rehabilitation, procurement of fodder, replacement of livestock, and repair of infrastructure and equipment.
Administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the grants aim to facilitate a swift and effective recovery process.
Furthermore, the relief initiative includes a $1 million Local Recovery and Resilience Grant specifically allocated to the Western Downs Regional Council, acknowledging the damages incurred during the Tara fires.
This grant is intended to assist the Council in addressing economic, social, and community recovery needs, along with implementing measures to enhance future resilience.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts, stating, “The Albanese and Miles Governments continue to work together to support Queensland communities that have been impacted by disasters.”
He further added, “These new support packages build on the immediate assistance already rolled out to these areas, and will address some of the longer-term recovery needs.”
Nikki Boyd, the minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, emphasised the commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term recovery needs. She stated, “Following the immediate response to recent bushfires across southern Queensland, our focus now turns to the longer-term recovery needs of impacted communities.”
“The Local Recovery and Resilience Grant for Western Downs will provide direct financial assistance for relief, recovery, and resilience activities, while the recovery grants for our producers will help them return to full operation sooner.”
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will continue working closely with councils to ensure coordinated efforts for effective recovery and support the affected communities in their journey towards resilience.
Additionally, various other Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) assistance is currently available for bushfire-affected Queenslanders, including operational concessional loans, primary producer freight subsidies, and grants for individuals through the Personal Hardship Assistance and Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Schemes.
