Another $269 million secured to support North Queensland recovery and resilience

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith

"The announcement of a Tourism Industry Recovery Support Package - jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) - to rebuild our industry and reputation across our major markets such as Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney is very welcomed."

"Townsville North Queensland has faced an incredibly challenging few months following the February floods. The ongoing severe weather, road closures, and additional damages have compounded the impact on our tourism sector, which is now at a critical point. This is a sector that contributes more than $4M to our economy every day and supports almost 9,000 local jobs."

"We have seen revenue and visitor numbers decline by over 25% and 39% for February and March compared to 2023, following the impacts of Cyclone Kirrily last year which was a low base."

"As the regional tourism organisation for North Queensland, we will work with Tourism and Events Queensland and the Queensland Government to use the funding allocated to our region, to support an aviation incentive, campaigns for promoting our “region is open for business” to key capital city markets, an events boost and assistance for businesses to build back better."

"We're finally seeing the weather turning and it’s the right time to get this message out to millions down south to come up for a North Queensland holiday."

Senator for Queensland, Nita Green

"Businesses and tourism operators in North and Far North Queensland hit hard by devastating floods in February will be supported with a $26.23 million package from the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments."

"This support is the next round of disaster assistance activated to support the recovery and resilience of communities in North and Far North Queensland."

"This investment includes a $15 million grants program to support impacted small businesses across the region get back on their feet. Grants will help businesses, including tourism operators, to re-establish their business, continue employing their staff and rebuild stronger."

"Businesses in the LGAs of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah will be eligible for this support." 

"Funding will also go towards a tourism and events marketing campaign to boost the local economy and attract more visitors back to the region."

"The $26.23 million package is funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and administered by the Queensland Government."

"It builds upon up to $25 million in grants for small business as well as freight subsidies, personal hardship payments and other assistance already activated for the flood-impacted region."

Senator Susan MacDonald

“This package is welcome for tourism and other businesses hit hard by this year’s floods and weather events as well as increased costs, massive power price hikes and workforce shortages."

“There is an urgent need for a long-term plan from the Federal Government to ensure North Queensland businesses can withstand future flooding as well as the other barriers they face in trying to stay profitable and continue providing employment opportunities."

“The government must also urgently address the need for Northern roads to be upgraded to ensure they can continue carrying essential items to where they’re needed during flood events.”