The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are providing nearly $2.2 million to restore areas devastated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in Far North Queensland (FNQ) and the severe storms that hit South-East Queensland (SEQ) in late 2023 and early 2024.
This package will help the community restore the environment, clean up debris and become more resilient to future natural disasters. It includes:
- $1.5 million for the 2023-24 Environmental Recovery Package: Local Conservation and Clean-up program for areas impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Eligible applicants can seek grants of up to $100,000 for projects that remove and dispose of cyclone debris and undertake environmental conservation activities to rehabilitate cyclone-affected landscapes.
- $690,000 for the Environmental Recovery Package: Private Protected Area Landholder Support program. This includes $290,000 available for areas affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and $400,000 available for areas affected by storms in SEQ over December 2023 and January 2024.
This is jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the additional $2.19 million was a welcome boost to the ongoing efforts to restore areas devastated by recent natural disasters. "Queensland has the largest private protected area network in Australia of 4.9 million hectares, with plans to expand. These areas are home to our threatened species and are vital for our diverse ecosystems," said Minister Powell.
"The devastation caused by these severe weather events was widespread, and picking up the pieces takes time.
"This funding will significantly help landowners to improve ecosystem health, enhance natural and cultural assets and increase the resilience of their properties against future weather events."
Senator for Queensland Nita Green said the impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and its aftermath had been enduring for Far North Queensland communities.
"Last December was a really difficult time for Queenslanders, from the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent floods in the north, to the havoc wreaked by storms down south," Senator Green said.
"This package will help the community restore and better protect natural heritage that is unique to the Tropical North.
"We will continue to support communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper as well as the storm and flood events occurred in South-East Queensland.
"I would like to commend the countless community members that have contributed to the recovery of affected areas to date."
Grants rounds open on 13 February 2025 and close on 13 March 2025 for assessment.
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