Funding certainty welcomed for disaster-prone Queensland communities

Published on 11 November 2026

We welcome the Australian Government's decision to retain the existing disaster recovery funding split, providing greater certainty for communities like ours that regularly face the impacts of natural disasters.

Here on the Cassowary Coast, we're no strangers to cyclones, flooding, storm tide, landslips, coastal erosion and severe weather.

Over the past four years, Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) have been activated for four significant events across our region, highlighting just how important timely and adequate funding is to restoring essential infrastructure and supporting community recovery.

Mayor Teresa Millwood said the decision was a welcome outcome for regional councils and their communities.

"For communities like ours, disaster recovery funding is critical to repairing damaged roads, restoring public infrastructure and getting our region back on its feet," Mayor Millwood said.

"We're pleased the Australian Government has listened to the concerns raised by councils and recognised the importance of maintaining the existing funding split.

"This provides greater certainty for councils and helps reduce the risk of additional financial pressure on our ratepayers."

We look forward to continuing to work with the Australian and Queensland governments and other councils to finalise the proposed DRFA reforms and ensure a sustainable disaster recovery funding framework for the future.

To learn more about the priorities we're advocating for on behalf of our community read our Advocacy Plan 2026–27