As Queensland grapples with ongoing flooding across the north, west, and central interior, the state has extended joint Commonwealth–state support through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to 13 additional councils. Aurukun, Burdekin, Central Highlands, Diamantina, Isaac, Livingstone, Mackay, Mareeba, Mornington, Northern Peninsula, Pormpuraaw, Rockhampton, and Whitsunday can now access funding to cover the costs of counter-disaster operations, including sandbagging, debris clearing, and other measures to maintain community safety.
The funding will also support the reconstruction of essential public assets such as roads, bridges, and floodways once the waters recede. With this latest activation, a total of 31 local government areas across Queensland are receiving DRFA assistance following the widespread rains and major flooding that began in the north over the Christmas 2025 period.
Flood-affected small businesses in Aurukun, Burdekin, Isaac, Mackay, Pormpuraaw, and Whitsunday are now eligible for low-interest disaster loans of up to $250,000 to carry out urgent recovery work. They can also apply for Essential Working Capital Loans of up to $100,000 to maintain operations, including paying wages, rents, rates, or purchasing goods necessary to continue business activities.
Applications and further information about disaster loans are available at www.qrida.qld.gov.au
or by calling 1800 623 946. All financial support is provided jointly by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the DRFA.
Queensland Reconstruction Authority officers are working closely with affected councils and are on the ground in communities to guide local recovery efforts. A complete list of activated councils and available support can be found on the QRA Activations webpage.
