Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Hinchinbrook Shire Mayor Ramon Jayo is part of a growing chorus of North Queensland leaders warning proposed changes to federal disaster funding could leave regional councils and ratepayers shouldering a greater share of recovery costs.
Hinchinbrook Shire Council is among five councils within the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NQROC) opposing proposed changes to disaster funding arrangements expected to take effect from July 2027.
Under current arrangements, in place since 2018, the Federal Government contributes 75 per cent of eligible costs associated with disaster preparation, reconstruction and resilience, while Queensland contributes 25 per cent.
NQROC says the proposed model would reduce the Federal Government's contribution to 50 per cent.
According to Queensland Reconstruction Authority figures cited by NQROC, Queensland could receive $213.5 million less each year under the proposed arrangements, while the Federal Government would gain almost $329 million annually when changes across the country are considered.
For Hinchinbrook, a region regularly exposed to cyclones, flooding and severe weather, Mayor Jayo said local governments were already stretching ratepayer dollars as far as possible.
“Our communities expect essential services and infrastructure to be restored quickly after a disaster, but that becomes increasingly difficult if councils are required to shoulder more of the financial burden,” Mayor Jayo said.
“Strong disaster recovery funding isn't a luxury for regional communities, it's a necessity.”
Hinchinbrook Shire Council has joined councils from Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers and Palm Island in lodging submissions outlining concerns about the potential impact on communities, infrastructure and long-term disaster recovery.
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto backed the concerns, calling for the Federal Government to listen to councils responsible for rebuilding following natural disasters.
“We're calling on Canberra to listen to the people on the ground who are rebuilding roads, bridges, water networks and community facilities after every flood, cyclone and severe weather event,” Mayor Dametto said.
“Councils across Australia are waiting with bated breath to see whether their voices are being heard. If Canberra doesn't listen, this will be a disaster of a deal.”
Queensland Senator and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Susan McDonald has also criticised the proposed changes after hearing concerns from councils at the Australian Local Government Transport Conference in Cairns.
“These are councils already struggling with rising costs, stretched budgets, low rates bases and increasing demands on their services,” Senator McDonald said.
“Regional Queenslanders already face higher costs and longer recovery times. The last thing they need is Labor shifting more of the burden onto councils and local ratepayers.
“The Albanese Government should scrap these cuts and ensure councils have the support they need to rebuild when disaster strikes.”
NQROC is calling on the Federal Government to ensure regional communities are not left carrying a greater share of disaster recovery costs and is seeking greater transparency around the review process through a public submission dashboard.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes. Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Life Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Ltd.
