October 9, 2026
A long and loud campaign by local councils to proposed changes to Federal / State disaster funding arrangements appears to have worked.
The Federal Government announced on Friday it would not be proceeding with the proposed changes, which the South Burnett Regional Council had estimated would have cost it millions of dollars.
Queensland currently receives an average Federal Government contribution of about 64 per cent under current disaster funding arrangements, with this contribution reaching up to 75 per cent for some disaster categories.
The proposal would have introduced a 50/50 funding model between the Commonwealth and States, as well as introducing standardised packages of assistance and raising the threshold for small disasters before they triggered Commonwealth support.
In August, the SBRC said had the arrangements been in place at the time, the Federal Government would have held back almost $20 million for repairs for natural disasters which had occurred in the South Burnett since 2019-20.
Premier David Crisafulli thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “for listening to our concerns and arriving at a common sense decision”.
“We now wait to see further details, and ensure this is delivered and funding arrangements are maintained in full, so Queenslanders can have certainty and confidence in their hour of need during disaster season,” the Premier said.
“We stood alongside mayors, the Local Government Association of Queensland and councils across the State and went in to fight for Queenslanders because it was the right thing to do.
“Today’s decision diverts disaster for the most disaster-prone State.
“We look forward to strengthening our preparedness and response ahead of disaster season, in the knowledge that there will be no changes to a formula that has worked for decades.”
Australian Local Government Association president Mayor Matt Burnett said the decision was a significant win for councils and disaster-affected communities across Australia.
“This is a very welcome announcement and a great result for councils and the communities they represent,” Mayor Burnett said.
“We thank the Prime Minister, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain and the Federal Government for listening to local government and recognising the enormous financial pressures councils face when disasters strike.
“Maintaining the Commonwealth’s contribution of up to 75 per cent is critical to ensuring councils can get on with the job of rebuilding roads, bridges and essential community infrastructure after floods, fires and other natural disasters.”
Related articles:
- SBRC Will ‘Miss Out On Millions’
- Mayors Fear Disaster Funds Cutback
- Council Joins Campaign Against Cuts
- ‘Triple Whammy For Councils’
