(Photo: Kathy Duff)
March 16, 2026
Disaster assistance has been activated for primary producers in the South Burnett, North Burnett and Gympie regions following last week’s heavy rain and flash floods.
Primary producers in the local government areas of South Burnett, North Burnett and Gympie can now access grants of up to $75,000, concessional loans of up to $2 million and freight subsidies of up to $5000.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said many producers were working through stress, loss and disruption.
“This assistance won’t erase the hardship but it will help ease the path to recovery,” Mr Frecklington said.
Funding can be used for a wide range of recovery and operational needs, including clean‑up, repairs, wages, rent or rates, replanting and essential supplies such as fuel or water.
Primary Producer applications can be made online (producer tab)
This assistance is being under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
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Assistance under a different program has been activated for Western Downs residents and businesses.
Personal Hardship Assistance emergency payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more for essentials like food, clothing and medicine are available for eligible Western Downs Regional Council residents.
Eligible flood-affected small businesses in the Western Downs can apply for Disaster Recovery Grants up to $25,000 and apply for loans up to $250,000 for recovery and restoring operations.
Not-for-profit organisations and community groups in the Western Downs can also apply for disaster loans up to $100,000 to support immediate recovery and operational needs.
Business applications can be made online (business tab)
More information about Personal Hardship payments for Western Downs Regional Council residents is available on the State Government website
This assistance is also being delivered under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
