More than $19 million in disaster assistance is now available to repair damaged riverine areas following severe flooding which impacted large areas of Queensland in early 2022.

Stage 2 of the Riverine Recovery Program to repair flood-damaged riverine, wetland and riparian environments is joint-funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the program will enable eligible natural resource management bodies, bulk water supply utilities and First Nations corporations to undertake significant works to support the recovery of some of Queensland’s iconic natural areas.

“Floods like we saw last year impact communities in a range of ways, and restoring our environment is an important part of the recovery process,” Minister Watt said.

“River health plays a crucial role in supporting some of our most precious marine areas including the Southern Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay and these impacted waterways contain important, delicate in-stream ecosystems.

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the Palaszczuk Government to help communities recover in all ways - socially, economically and environmentally.”

Queensland Acting Premier Steven Miles said the funding would in particular support environmental recovery in riverine areas across South East and Central Queensland impacted by multiple severe weather events.

“Just like our communities were impacted during last year’s severe weather, so too was our environment,” Minister Miles said.

“Under Stage 2 of the program, funding is available for recovery works including bank repair and stabilisation for erosion control, and native vegetation plantings to restore natural ecosystem functions.

“These works will not only support the recovery of environment but aim to increase resilience to future events.”

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the recovery and health of Queensland’s riverine areas was vital to supporting critical habitats for fauna and flora, as well the recreational enjoyment of Queenslanders.

“Queenslanders rallied to help clean-up and support flood-affected communities – and we’re continuing that effort with funding to restore our damaged waterways,” Minister Scanlon said.

“This funding will help local groups who know their areas to plan and restore their local environments.

“As part of the now-complete Stage 1 of the Riverine Recovery Program, eligible groups carried out reconnaissance work to better understand the damage caused to their local waterways by the severe weather events of last summer, including erosion and displaced vegetation, and the works needed to rectify the damage.”

Applications open today (10 January 2023), with successful grant applicants aiming to begin their on-ground works from April 2023, to be completed by June 2024.

Applications can be lodged for the Riverine Recovery Program: Stage 2 works grants through the Department of Environment and Science’s online grant portal.

Applications close 24 February 2023.

Information on other disaster recovery initiatives can be found on the National Emergency Management Agency’s website at www.nema.gov.au and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772

Minister Scanlon: Francis Dela Cruz 0420 592 078