Prime Minister commits $24m to Far North’s tourism industry as part of flood recovery
The Prime Minister has made more big funding promises for the Far North, splashing the cash on tourism operators and businesses left in dire straits by flooding and landslides.
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The Far North’s tourism industry has been given another fiscal boost by the federal government with a $24m recovery and resilience program in the wake of devastating flooding.
Grants will flow to the region’s tourism operators who have been heavily affected ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper’s December deluge, in order to keep staff employed.
The money will also be used to fund marketing campaigns to bring more visitors to the region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, visiting the Far North on Wednesday, said the support had come on top of the $64m in support announced in December.
“This is an example of the Commonwealth and state governments working together … so that people are not left behind,” Mr Albanese said.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the support package would provide relief for businesses that missed their peak season over Christmas.
“Tourism operators who missed their peak season … are unlikely to see significant visitor numbers until Easter,” Mr Olsen said.
“It is critical for the businesses that remain isolated to receive assistance so they can continue to pay wages and make repairs necessary to resume trading once their access roads are open.”
The government has made an additional $20m available to fund clean-up efforts in both the Far North and SEQ after weather events savaged multiple locations throughout the state in December and January.
Mr Albanese acknowledged other industries in the region also needed support.
“We have support of $75,000 available to primary producers and up to $50,000 for small businesses who have been impacted, and NFPs who have been impacted,” he said.
Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers has previously been vocal about building resilience into the economy against heavy shocks, such as Covid-19 and natural disasters.
“(The Far North) is an important part of the national economy and we share the frustration about increasing regularity of natural disasters and having to rebuild infrastructure each time,” Dr Chalmers said.
“We will consider any proposals put to us to make this important community even more resilient.”
Far North politicians at all levels have agreed water security infrastructure is a key component to the region’s resilience against future natural disasters after water supply was suffocated by flooding post Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Cairns Regional Council is seeking an additional $257m from the federal and state governments, $128.5m each, to fully construct its water security project.
Dr Chalmers did not rule out the possibility that the federal government may not supply the council with the money it needs.
“I’m not prepared to make an announcement today … we will give that proposal proper consideration,” he said.
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Originally published as Prime Minister commits $24m to Far North’s tourism industry as part of flood recovery
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