Fighters secure $75,000 disaster grants – at long last
March 12, 2025
Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, together with Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto, has today welcomed the activation of Category D Disaster Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 for impacted farmers following the devastating North Queensland floods, attributing full thanks to the sheer determination and unrelenting fight of local leaders and industry champions.
More than $50 million in extraordinary disaster recovery packages were also announced to support North Queensland’s recovery, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The package includes increased grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers, $50,000 for small businesses and not-for-profits, as well as funding for councils and community facilities across the region to assist with clean-up, repairs, and long-term reconstruction.
At a press conference in Ingham today, Mr Katter extended his heartfelt thanks to the dedicated locals who refused to take no for an answer.
“I want to thank Leah Russo, Grower Director with Canegrowers, for her tireless advocacy and sharp focus on what her growers needed,” he said.
“Shane McCarthy, President of AgForce Queensland, was relentless in keeping the pressure on and making sure the voice of agriculture couldn’t be ignored.
“Lawrence Di Bella, QCAR Herbert District Manager, provided firsthand evidence of the destruction and losses, making the case for support undeniable.
“And I pay special tribute to Robert Lyon, a Herbert River district cane grower, who fought like a tiger for his community. He made sure the reality on the ground was heard loud and clear in Brisbane and Canberra.”
Mr Katter also praised the leadership of Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo and KAP State Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto.
“Ramon Jayo stood tall for his people every step of the way, and Nick Dametto was a bulldog in Brisbane, ensuring the fight stayed front and centre,” Mr Katter said.
“The combined effort of these people—and their refusal to back down—delivered this outcome. Without them, we’d still be stuck in the bureaucratic mud.
“We thank the Prime Minister and the Minister, but I want to be very clear, it is because of this group of people with a tiger in their tank —that the grants have finally been delivered.
“The people of Hinchinbrook and the Herbert can take heart that their fighters on the ground never stopped swinging.”
Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said after the region had suffered the largest flooding event in over 50 years, it would come as a great relief to those who are eligible for the increased grant funding.
“These grants will provide a leg up for many small businesses, primary producers and community organisations to assist them to rebuild at a time when it can feel like they have lost everything,” he said.
“I would like to thank all those who have advocated and worked towards this important outcome for our district.”
Mr Katter stressed the need for faster action in future disasters.
“We all know North Queenslanders are resilient, but we shouldn’t have to fight this hard or wait this long.
“When you’ve got crops in the ground rotting and machinery out of action, decisions should be made in days—not dragged out over weeks.”
Mr Katter vowed to keep pushing for a more responsive disaster funding system that treats North Queenslanders with the urgency and respect they deserve.
“But today, we celebrate the win—and we thank the fighters who never gave up.”
ENDS
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