Grants available for cyclone-affected regional Queensland communities

Funding for prevention, preparedness and recovery projects 

This week marks six months since ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper crossed the Far North coast (13 December 2023). It's also five months since ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossed the North Queensland coast (25 January 2024) before moving south and west (3 February 2024) causing further destruction. 

Grant applications are now open for local NFPs in Far North and North Queensland, and other rural, remote and regional communities impacted by the cyclones. Grants of up to $20,000 are available through the Rebuilding Futures program, for community-led activities that address local prevention, preparedness and recovery needs. 

FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead Nina O’Brien said it was vital disaster-impacted communities were supported to proactively take action to prevent and prepare for, as well as respond to, the impacts of extreme weather events like ex-Tropical Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily. 

“The effects of an extreme weather event do not dissipate when the immediate danger is over," Ms O'Brien said. 

"Recovery needs to evolve over the medium to long-term, as locals identify ways of building community resilience and reducing the impact of future disasters on community wellbeing and physical infrastructure. 

“But for a community to build back better after a disaster, it’s critical that the needs of all groups in the regions, particularly members of the community with less access to resources, information and support, are considered and prioritised, both in recovery and in planning for potential future events."

Funded by Suncorp Group, the Rebuilding Futures program has already distributed more than $1 million in recent years to 62 community groups across the country.

Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said Suncorp was proud to support community-led recovery projects for regional Queensland communities impacted by severe weather events.

“Queensland is the most disaster-impacted state in the country and regional Queensland, particularly the Far North and North, has certainly borne the brunt of events like Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily,” Mr Johnston said.

“Suncorp is a proud Queensland-based company and will always be there to help our customers rebuild their lives following these devastating events, but we also understand how important it is to help community groups be prepared, build back better and assist that recovery in the medium and longer term.

“That’s why we partner with FRRR to distribute grants directly to community organisations because these groups have the local knowledge to know where funding is needed most.