Deadline: February 14, 2026
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) is offering Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants for primary producers, small businesses, and non-profit organisations affected by the North and Far North Tropical Low that occurred between 29 January and 28 February 2025.
The focus areas are: Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are available to assist directly impacted primary producers, small businesses, and non-profit organisations with the costs of clean-up and reinstatement.
For primary producers, grants of up to $75,000 are available following the North and Far North Tropical Low, 29 January – 28 February 2025, to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace fencing and cover other costs associated with the recovery process. The maximum grant amount of $75,000 can be accessed through initial application/s up to $5,000 and subsequent application/s up to $70,000.
For small businesses, grants of up to $50,000 are available to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock, and cover other recovery-related costs. The maximum amount of $50,000 can be accessed through initial application/s up to $5,000 and subsequent application/s up to $45,000.
For non-profit organisations, grants of up to $50,000 are available to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, repair or replace damaged infrastructure or goods, and cover other costs essential to reinstatement. The maximum amount of $50,000 can be accessed through initial application/s up to $5,000 and subsequent application/s up to $45,000.
The grants are designed to ease the financial burden of recovery for eligible applicants located within the declared disaster areas across councils such as Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville, and Yarrabah. Applicants must demonstrate direct damage and provide supporting documents, including photographs, tax invoices, receipts, or bank statements, as evidence of their claims.
For primary producers, funding can be used for reinstating damaged farming operations, replacing fencing, salvaging crops, repairing equipment, or replanting lost crops. Small businesses can utilise the assistance to replace or repair infrastructure, clean up premises, or restore stock, while non-profits are eligible to restore premises, replace essential goods, or lease temporary facilities to resume operations.
The funds are released in two stages, with an initial claim of up to $5,000 available based on estimates or quotations to meet immediate cash flow needs and subsequent claims requiring full proof of expenditures. This approach ensures applicants can act quickly in the immediate aftermath of the disaster while securing further support for long-term recovery and reinstatement.
Applicants must also demonstrate their intent to re-establish businesses or operations in the defined disaster areas. Insurance status is taken into account, and applications cannot be finalised until insurance claims are determined. The program operates under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Applications are now open and will close on 14 February 2026. Eligible applicants can apply online through QRIDA’s Application Portal or via email and post by attaching the required documents.
For more information, visit QRIDA.
