$36 MILLION RECOVERY PROGRAM REBUILDING HINCHINBROOK

Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Jayo said ‘Keeping our communities connected is critical. Not just for residents, but for agriculture,’ here shown with Wayde Chiesa MP, member for Hinchinbrook, talking with Tony Perrett MP, Member for Gympie & Queensland Minister for Primary Industries during recent visit to the region. Photo sourced: Tony Perrett MP’s Facebook page.

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Fifteen months on from the 2025 severe weather events, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is delivering a major, multi-year disaster recovery program, repairing damage across more than 300 roads and essential infrastructure assets.

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Funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the $36.2 million recovery and reconstruction program is restoring critical infrastructure and community assets across the Shire following impacts from the North and Far North Tropical Low (January–February 2025) and the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, including Tropical Cyclone Koji (December 2025).

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Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the recovery program was critical to restoring confidence and connectivity across the region.

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“This is about delivering for Queensland by rebuilding vital infrastructure, reconnecting communities and restoring safety where you live after a challenging disaster season,” Mr Chiesa said.

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Mayor Ramon Jayo said the scale of the program reflects both the extent of damage and the importance of rebuilding stronger.

“Fifteen months on, this work is still ongoing because of the scale of the impact across our region,” Mayor Jayo said.

“These events significantly affected our roads, infrastructure, and community facilities, and this program is about restoring what was lost while ensuring Hinchinbrook is better prepared for the future.”

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A key component of the program is a $28.38 million road and infrastructure recovery effort, delivering repairs across more than 300 roads, streets and access routes throughout the region.

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“Keeping our communities connected is critical. Not just for residents, but for agriculture, freight, and emergency services. These works ensure our network remains safe, reliable, and resilient,” he said.

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Council also undertook an extensive emergency response, with more than $2.5 million invested in Counter Disaster Operations, including coordinating response efforts, managing road closures, deploying crews, and supporting affected communities.

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Immediate recovery works valued at $2.51 million were carried out to restore access, stabilise infrastructure, and ensure public safety in the aftermath of the events.

In addition, $2.51 million is being delivered through the Community and Recreational Asset Recovery Grants program, supporting the restoration of 41 community facilities across the Shire, including parks, walking tracks, the TYTO precinct, and key public buildings.

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Mayor Jayo said the recovery effort is focused on both infrastructure and community wellbeing.

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“This is not just about rebuilding roads, it’s about restoring the places people rely on every day and ensuring our community remains connected, active, and supported.”

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The program is being delivered in stages, with major reconstruction works continuing through to 2027 and 2028 in line with funding timeframes.

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This is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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