General News
15 October, 2026
Feds backdown from disaster funding cuts
PROPOSED cuts to disaster funding that would have cost the Far North “hundreds of millions” in relief have been scrapped by the federal government just as the region prepares for the annual wet season.
The government announced last Friday that it would not proceed with a 50:50 funding split between state governments and the Commonwealth as part of the disaster funding recovery framework.
The changes would have reduced the federal government’s contribution by 14%, instead of half.
In June this year Cassowary Coast Regional Council was one of the first to raise concerns about the move and started advocating against the proposal.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “for listening to our concerns and arriving at a commonsense decision”.
“We now wait to see further details and ensure this is delivered and funding arrangements are maintained in full, so Queenslanders can have certainty and confidence in their hour of need during disaster season,” he said. “Today’s (last Friday) decision diverts disaster for the most disaster-prone state.”
Read More: Cassowary Coast