Hinchinbrook Region To Benefit From New $77 Million Flood Recovery Support

The Hinchinbrook community is among those set to benefit from three new flood recovery funding packages totalling over $77 million, delivered by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments to support North and Far North Queensland’s ongoing recovery from this year’s devastating monsoonal floods.

The latest funding, announced under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), includes environmental restoration projects and legal assistance for flood-affected residents in the Hinchinbrook region.

The three new support packages are:

• $73 million Environmental Recovery Program – to restore and rehabilitate damaged catchments, coastlines, national parks, and culturally significant sites;
• $3.12 million Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Recovery Program – to repair critical infrastructure in Charters Towers;
• $1.42 million Legal Assistance Relief – giving impacted residents and small business owners in Hinchinbrook access to free legal support for issues such as insurance claims, tenancy disputes, and property loss.

These packages bring the total disaster recovery support provided across North and Far North Queensland to more than $507 million, following the North and Far North Tropical Low disaster event in January and February 2025.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kirsty McBain said the scale of flooding called for a long-term, comprehensive recovery plan.

“From the get-go we have stressed our unwavering support to all north Queenslanders impacted by this disaster,” Minister McBain said.

“We are committed to ongoing recovery efforts in the region and determined to see this work through - actions such as stabilising erosion, revegetating waterways, controlling weeds and pests, and biodiversity conservation will ensure we not only recover but are ready for the future.”

The Environmental Recovery Program will be available across 40 local government areas, including Hinchinbrook, with a focus on protecting and restoring ecosystems, natural waterways, and coastlines.

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy highlighted the important connection between strong infrastructure and resilient communities.

“Having safe and reliable water supply improves health and economic outcomes. It gives residents peace of mind, and businesses confidence,” Minister Leahy said.

The Legal Assistance Relief will be particularly important for Hinchinbrook residents navigating the aftermath of the floods, helping locals deal with legal issues that may otherwise hinder recovery.

“It is a well-known fact that sport and recreation plays a vital role in the community by providing much needed extracurricular activity through sport and social activities," Minister Leahy said.

“Restoring the operations of impacted facilities contributes significantly to community recovery.”

Residents and business owners in Hinchinbrook seeking assistance or more information on these programs can visit www.qra.qld.gov.au.