After The Storm

By Amanda Wright

Tears of relief replaced weeks of frustration for North Queensland’s flood-affected farmers as the Federal and Queensland governments approved an increase in disaster funding, boosting grants for primary producers to $75,000.

The announcement, delivered by Senator Nita Green and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter on March 12, comes after weeks of intense advocacy from industry leaders, local politicians, and the farming community. The decision also increases funding for small businesses and not-for-profits to $50,000.

The announcement was made at the farm of CANEGROWERS members Michael and Zenan Reinaudo, whose family property suffered severe flood damage. Their experience mirrors that of many other farmers across the region.

Bob Katter, who has been at the forefront of the push for Category D funding, credited the win to relentless efforts from agricultural organisations and local representatives.

“This funding wasn’t handed down from the heavens—it was won by the fighters on the ground who never backed down,” Mr Katter said.

He singled out CANEGROWERS’ Leah Russo, AgForce Queensland’s Shane McCarthy, and QCAR’s Lawrence Di Bella for their unwavering efforts.

“Yes, we thank the PM and the Minister, but it’s because of this group of people with a tiger in their tank that the grants have finally been activated,” he said.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan welcomed the increased support, emphasising that the original $25,000 grant was nowhere near enough to help growers rebuild.

“This increase reflects the rising costs of recovery for growers who have been hit hard by recent flooding,” Mr Galligan said.

“We’ve been clear from the beginning that the original amount was simply inadequate. This boost will make a real difference for those struggling to rebuild.”

QCAR General Manager Lawrence Di Bella described the funding boost as a step in the right direction, though challenges remain.

“This is a really positive step—it will rebuild our industry. Some of the damage is greater than $75,000, so we’ll still be looking for additional funding, but this is a great start,” Mr Di Bella said.

“The money that a farmer produces goes around our community multiple times. This is about rebuilding our entire community, not just individual farms.”

Mr Di Bella spoke of the sheer devastation farmers have faced.

“There were craters the size of swimming pools, tonnes of trash dumped on newly planted sugarcane, headlands washed away, trees uprooted, new creeks carved through fields, dead calves littering paddocks—the list goes on,” he said.

“Now there will be tears of relief with the release of Category D grants.”

AgForce Queensland General President Shane McCarthy agreed, calling the announcement a lifeline.

“This goes a long way to getting farmers back up and producing, which is what they need to do,” Mr McCarthy said.

“It’s not just this flood—it’s the accumulation of a few tough seasons. We need to get our producers back up and doing what they do best.”

Despite the funding win, industry leaders stress that further work is needed to ensure all farmers receive fair support.

QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan noted that current eligibility rules could leave some struggling farmers behind.

“We must now make sure the funding is fair and reaches those who need it,” Mr Ryan said.

Senator Nita Green reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting North Queensland’s recovery.

“This is all part of a bigger disaster recovery response from our two governments,” Senator Green said.

“We will continue to work with people on the ground to identify areas where funding or criteria can be improved.”

For Burdekin farmers, the funding boost brings hope after weeks of uncertainty. However, as industry leaders continue to advocate for further changes, the focus remains on ensuring all affected growers receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.

“This isn’t just about fixing damage—it’s about restoring livelihoods,” Mr Galligan said.

“Our growers have fought hard for this, and we’ll keep fighting to ensure they get the support they deserve.”

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QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, Cane farmer Robert Lyon, Director of CANEGROWERS Herbert River Leah Russo, Senator Nita Green, AgForce North Queensland Regional Director Michael Penny, Director Herbert River District Canegrowers Paul Marbelli, and Cane farmer Michael Reinaudo. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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