Calls For Category D Funding As Farmers Struggle To Recover

Floodwaters may have receded, but for North Queensland’s sugarcane farmers, the road to recovery is only just beginning. Damaged crops, washed-out paddocks, and ongoing uncertainty over disaster funding have left many wondering how they’ll rebuild in time for next season.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens has called on the Queensland Government to urgently amend disaster recovery grants to cover the cost of replanting—something current funding does not allow.

“Getting crops back in the ground is just as critical as repairing fences or sheds,” Mr Menkens said. “Other states recognise this and allow replanting costs to be covered under disaster funding. Queensland needs to do the same.”

Many farmers across the Burdekin and Herbert River regions have been forced to start from scratch after floodwaters lingered, destroying young cane plants. Adding to the challenge, some growers may be locked out of assistance altogether due to outdated definitions of a ‘primary producer.’

Under current rules, those who supplement their income through harvesting contracts—an essential part of the industry—could be deemed ineligible for disaster grants. Mr Menkens argues this must change.

“These growers aren’t just running farms; they’re providing vital services that keep the industry moving. When you shut them out of support, you don’t just hurt individual farmers—you hurt the whole supply chain.”

The issue has sparked a strong response from Kennedy MP Bob Katter, who has demanded immediate action from the state government, calling the delay in securing Category D funding unacceptable.

“It’s been a month since record-breaking floods hit, and we’re still waiting for the state government to do its job,” Mr Katter said.

“In past disasters, this process was immediate—yet here we are, left high and dry while our farmers struggle to survive.”

A cartoon by renowned illustrator Harry Bruce has summed up Mr Katter’s frustration, capturing his determination to fight for the region.

“This is a fight we won’t walk away from,” Mr Katter said.

“If we don’t get what we need in North Queensland, then God help you, Mr ALP/LNP.”

Mr Katter also extended his thanks to AgForce North, CANEGROWERS, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables, Nick Dametto MP, and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo for their ongoing advocacy on behalf of farmers.

QCAR is also backing the push, joining forces with CANEGROWERS and AgForce Queensland to demand that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declare Category D funding.

QCAR Chairman Christian Lago stressed that financial relief wouldn’t just support farmers but entire regional economies.

“For every dollar the government spends on recovery assistance funding, it has a multiplier effect, lifting up everyone from the quarry operators to the mum and dad cafe owners,” Mr Lago said.

With pressure mounting from industry groups, politicians, and affected communities, the message is clear: Queensland farmers need real support, and they need it now.

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