By Abdullahi Lukman
Queensland has expanded joint Commonwealth–state disaster assistance to 13 more councils as flooding persists across the state’s north, west and central interior.
The additional councils are now eligible for support under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help manage immediate response and recovery needs.
Councils including Aurukun, Burdekin, Central Highlands, Diamantina, Isaac, Livingstone, Mackay, Mareeba, Mornington, Northern Peninsula, Pormpuraaw, Rockhampton and Whitsunday can access funding for counter-disaster operations such as sandbagging, debris removal and other safety measures.
Assistance will also cover the repair and reconstruction of essential public infrastructure, including roads, bridges and floodways, once conditions allow.
With the latest activation, 31 local government areas across Queensland are now receiving DRFA support following widespread rainfall and major flooding that began in northern parts of the state during the Christmas 2025 period.
Flood-affected small businesses in Aurukun, Burdekin, Isaac, Mackay, Pormpuraaw and Whitsunday are also eligible for financial assistance.
This includes low-interest disaster loans of up to $250,000 for recovery works and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 to help cover expenses such as wages, rent and operating costs.
Queensland Reconstruction Authority officers are
working with local councils in affected communities to coordinate recovery efforts.
Further details on available assistance and activated councils are available through the QRA and Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority channels.
