FEDERAL DEAL A DISASTER FOR SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND

Published on 12 August 2026

The Federal Government has dealt a major blow to disaster recovery funding, which is an essential part of getting our Shire back on its feet following flooding events.

When flooding occurs in Balonne Shire, it causes devastation to our sealed and unsealed road network, with Council delivering over $135 million on disaster recovery works over the past 5 years.

Funding for these works is provided through the State and Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and the Federal Government has announced that they are reducing their contribution from 65% to a 50/50 split with the Queensland Government.

Mayor Samantha O’Toole said this funding cut will have devastating consequences for disaster recovery in South West Queensland.

“In the last 5 years alone, we have needed over $135 million to fix our road network after disasters, which represents double our rates income for that period,” said Mayor O’Toole.

“Disaster funding has helped our Shire get back on its feet after floods and is absolutely crucial to rebuilding the infrastructure our resident’s need.

“The latest federal budget has clearly led to more backflips than a gymnastics medallist, but this disaster funding deal needs a gold-medal-worthy double-layout with a full twist to turn it around!

“This is a dud deal for our Shire, a dud deal for our region and a dud deal for any area that needs financial assistance after disaster strikes.

“We are calling on the federal government to dump this dud deal and return disaster funding arrangements back to the funding arrangements that have worked time and time again for regions when they need it most.”