North Queensland Farmers Urged To Register For Support

North Queensland farmers are being urged to register for assistance as prolonged flooding and severe weather continue to take a heavy toll across the region, with many producers still assessing the full extent of the damage.

While local farming communities are demonstrating strong resilience, the ongoing impacts of widespread flooding, isolation, and infrastructure damage are placing significant pressure on farming families. To ensure help can be delivered quickly and effectively, Rural Aid is calling on all affected primary producers to register for support.

Large areas of North and Northwest Queensland were already experiencing significant flooding before recent rainfall associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, which further elevated flood levels, extended isolation, and delayed recovery efforts in some districts.

Across grazing country and horticultural regions, producers are facing flooded properties, stock losses, damaged crops, washed-out fencing, impassable roads, and prolonged disruption to operations. While communities continue to support one another, Rural Aid warns that the scale of damage and uncertainty means assistance is urgently needed now and in the weeks ahead.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said North Queensland farmers are once again showing extraordinary resilience, but resilience alone is not enough.

“But even the toughest communities face limits,” Mr Warlters said.

“Farming families are under intense pressure from ongoing flooding and severe weather, managing losses, disrupted operations, and the stress that comes with uncertainty. That’s why it’s so important for producers to register with Rural Aid – so we can provide practical support when it’s needed most.”

Mr Warlters said the flooding is affecting multiple agricultural sectors across the region.

“North Queensland produces so much of Australia’s food and fibre – from prime Angus beef in Winton, to Bowen’s mangoes, and Mackay’s sugarcane – and all of these vital industries are under pressure from flooding and cyclone damage,” he said.

“Many producers are still assessing the full extent of the damage, which is exactly why registering with Rural Aid is so important, it allows us to act quickly and deliver the right support as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Rural Aid is already responding on the ground, with hay deliveries underway and logistics in place to transport feed and essential supplies to affected producers as access becomes available. Mental health and wellbeing support is also continuing, recognising the emotional strain prolonged and repeated disaster events place on farming families.

“Natural disasters don’t just damage land and livestock – they take a heavy toll on mental health,” Mr Warlters said.

“Our counsellors are available, and our team is checking in with farmers to make sure no one is facing this alone.”

Rural Aid provides a range of free and confidential services to registered primary producers, including financial assistance for urgent expenses, professional counselling and wellbeing support, emergency hay and water deliveries, and volunteer assistance through the Farm Army program to support response and recovery efforts.

All primary producers affected by flooding across North Queensland are strongly encouraged to register for support at faa.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

“Even if you’re managing for now, registering puts you on our radar,” Mr Warlters said.

“It means when the water recedes and the real work begins, we can be there to provide practical support and work alongside you for the long haul recovery.”