Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a major financial support package for communities in north-west Queensland grappling with the region's worst floods in decades.
Prime Minister Tours Devastated Region
During a visit to the flood-ravaged areas on January 6, 2026, Mr Albanese witnessed firsthand the extensive damage to property and the catastrophic loss of cattle. The visit underscored the scale of the disaster prompting immediate federal action.
$38 Million Lifeline for Recovery
The centrepiece of the response is a $38 million support package aimed at providing urgent relief and kickstarting the long recovery process. The funds are expected to assist with:
- Immediate hardship payments for affected families and individuals.
- Support for local councils to repair critical infrastructure.
- Grants for primary producers, particularly the devastated grazing industry, to rebuild fences and recover livestock operations.
Decades-Worst Flood Event
The flooding across north-west Queensland represents the most severe event of its kind in over thirty years. Persistent heavy rainfall has caused rivers to break their banks, isolating towns and inundating vast tracts of grazing land. The economic impact, particularly on the nation's beef industry, is predicted to be severe and long-lasting.
While the waters are beginning to recede, the focus is now squarely on recovery and rebuilding. The announced support package is seen as a critical first step in helping these resilient regional communities get back on their feet after an unprecedented natural disaster.
