Communities across North and Far North Queensland now have access to $2 million in funding to support the restoration of environments affected by the record-breaking floods of January and February 2025. The Environmental Recovery Package, jointly launched by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), forms part of the Environmental Cleanup and Local Conservation Program. This initiative aims to help local communities recover damaged landscapes while strengthening resilience for future environmental challenges.
Grants of up to $100,000 are available to community-led projects focused on cleaning debris, restoring natural habitats, and regenerating landscapes. Eligible projects include activities such as clearing debris from coastlines, reserves, and waterways, replanting and weeding to support habitat recovery, conducting aerial surveys to identify debris hotspots, and coordinating boat-based cleanups in flooded rivers, islands, or coastal zones. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with Traditional Owners, local councils, Natural Resource Management groups, schools, and community organizations to maximize impact and bring innovative solutions to the recovery efforts.
By funding grassroots projects, the initiative not only aids environmental restoration but also promotes cultural connections to Country, community health, and disaster preparedness. North and Far North Queensland are home to unique biodiversity and ecosystems, and these grants provide communities the opportunity to restore some of Australia’s most valued natural environments. The program strengthens local bonds with the landscape while advancing sustainability and long-term ecological recovery.
Applications for the grants opened on 27 August 2025 and will close at 4:00 PM on 24 September 2025. Interested councils, organizations, and community groups can find application guidelines and further details on the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) website. The DRFA Environmental Recovery Package represents a significant step toward rebuilding after the 2025 floods while ensuring Queensland communities are better equipped for future environmental challenges, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future.
