Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a comprehensive $38 million disaster assistance package for northwest Queensland, where catastrophic flooding has wreaked havoc on communities and agricultural operations. The joint federal-state funding initiative comes as the region faces one of its most severe flood events in recent history.
During his visit to the flood-ravaged Outback city of Mt Isa on Tuesday, the Prime Minister witnessed firsthand the extensive damage caused by torrential downpours that have triggered major flood warnings across multiple river systems, including the Western, Flinders, Georgina, Herbert, and Norman rivers.
The relief package allocates $21.5 million for primary producer disaster recovery grants, providing up to $75,000 per eligible farmer. An additional $11.5 million has been designated for critical repairs and enhanced flood resilience measures at Cloncurry Airport, whose runway sustained significant damage from the inundation. A further $5 million will fund emergency livestock feed for surviving animals.
The human and agricultural toll has been substantial, with reports indicating approximately 16,500 cattle either deceased or missing in floodwaters, raising concerns about massive financial losses in this agriculturally dominant region. Tragically, the floods have claimed one life—a man in his seventies found deceased in his vehicle.
Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell described the current flooding as more severe than the region’s notorious 2019 flood season, prompting discussions about long-term infrastructure planning for improved water management. Emergency services personnel expressed concerns about further rainfall forecast for the coming week, with already saturated soils increasing flood risks.
Mr. Albanese emphasized bipartisan cooperation, acknowledging Queensland’s Liberal National Party Premier David Crisafulli and stating, ‘There’s no politics in any of this. This is about different levels of government working together in the national interest.’