Support for Graziers & Agribusiness

McKinlay Shire Council welcomes confirmation that disaster recovery assistance has been extended for communities impacted by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and Flooding event commencing 24 December 2025 (AGRN 1243).

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has advised that the extension of the jointly funded Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) has been approved, ensuring continued access to vital recovery support for affected regions, including McKinlay Shire.

Support currently available for flood impacted farmers in the north-west:

  • $7 million fodder support package to help feed stranded livestock
  • Up to $75k Disaster Recovery Grants, including upfront payments of $10k
  • Up to $250k low-interest loans
  • Up to $5k freight subsidies

This is funded by Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

In addition, the Prime Minister has approved a Category D Exceptional Circumstance measure for this event — a Coordinated Emergency Fodder Support Package — recognising the severity and prolonged impacts of flooding across North Queensland and the critical need to support local primary producers.

Mayor and Councillors acknowledge that many residents, landholders and businesses continue to experience the effects of this significant weather event, and that extended assistance is essential to support recovery, resupply and early reconstruction.

McKinlay Shire Council will continue working closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, the Local Disaster Management Group and recovery partners to ensure the community is informed about available assistance and supported throughout the recovery process.

  • To apply for Disaster Recovery Grants, visit QRIDA's website at https://www.qrida.qld.gov.au   or call 1800 623 946.
  •  Farmers needing fodder support should contact council at 07 47 467 166.

Additional information and support options are available through Business Queensland, including advice on recovery, biosecurity, and financial assistance programs.

Visit  Business Queensland Flood Assistance for details.

Veterinary fees associated with the health and welfare of production livestock

Funding has been activated to support primary producers in flooded areas to claim eligible veterinary fees associated with the health and welfare of production livestock as a result of the disaster and during the recovery period as well as costs associated with carcass disposal on their own property.
  • Under the funding, eligible vet fees include call-out charges and any costs associated with carcass disposal.
  • In addition, freight subsidies up to $5,000 per property to move essential materials including fodder, building and fencing materials, machinery, and animals for restocking is available.
  • Primary producers can also access assistance to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace fencing and other costs associated with the recovery.
Financial support is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Disaster Recovery Grants up to $75,000 are open for applications on the QRIDA website.

Complete the Disaster Impact Survey here.

Media Release(PDF, 107KB)

More relief for flood affected farmers with payment pause for leasehold primary producers

  • Crisafulli Government delivers 12-month rent deferral for leasehold primary producers impacted by the monsoon trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
  • Support to be applied to eligible producers automatically, with payments deferred to March 2027.
  • Deferral will provide much needed relief for primary producers across more than 1,100 leasehold tenures.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering more relief to those affected by the monsoon trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, deferring leasehold rents for primary producers recovering from the disaster.

A 12-month rent deferral will be applied to leaseholders in the Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton Shire Councils, providing much needed support for producers across more than 1,100 leasehold tenures. Additional council areas will be added as declarations are extended following ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said the support was delivering critical breathing room for communities that have endured relentless severe weather.

“Central and North Queensland has been battered by a one-two punch, with monsoonal flooding over the new year followed by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. The last thing families on the land need is a rental bill from the government,” Minister Last said.

“That’s why we’ve acted swiftly to defer rental payments for leasehold primary producers, without red-tape or paperwork. The deferral will be applied to eligible leaseholders automatically, with payment not required until March 2027.

“As a North Queenslander myself, I’m acutely aware of the importance of providing ongoing support and giving primary producers the breathing room they need so they can focus on recovery.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to supporting Central and North Queenslanders through the recovery phase, ensuring they have the financial assistance required to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

“This support comes on top of the existing packages, including grants of up to $75,000 for affected primary producers to clean up and repair damage to their properties."

Eligible leaseholders will be notified of the deferral when their rental invoices are issued. Those experiencing hardship beyond the 12-month period will be able to apply for further assistance.

For further information, visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/state/rents/deferring

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: William Rollo 0434 650 650

MEDIA RELEASE(PDF, 80KB)

 

General Information & Fact Sheet

 Please find attached the following fact sheets and guides:


 

 

Rural Aid Support for Farmers

Rural Financial Counselling Service

Disaster Assistance by BushED Australia
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