Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Program 2025

Total Program Value: $36.2 million

Hinchinbrook Shire Council is delivering a significant disaster recovery and reconstruction program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), responding to major severe weather events impacting the region.

Events Covered

• North and Far North Tropical Low (29 January – 28 February 2025)
• North Queensland Monsoon Trough, including Tropical Cyclone Koji (from 24 December 2025)
• Community Relief Fund activations

This program focuses on restoring essential services, repairing damaged infrastructure, and supporting community recovery across the Shire.

Program Status and Timeframes

HSC25A – January 2025 Event

• Funding deadline: 30 June 2027
• Status: On track

Completed:

• Counter Disaster Operations
• Emergency Works
• Immediate Reconstruction Works

Current:

• Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets underway

• HSC25B – December 2025 Event

  • Funding deadline: 30 June 2028

  On track for completion by 30 September 2026:

  • Counter Disaster Operations
  • Emergency Works
  • Immediate Reconstruction Works

  Next phase:

  • Reconstruction works commencing March 2027
  Completion by June 2028

• Funding Breakdown

  Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets (REPA)

  Value: $28.38 million

  • Repairs to more than 300 roads, streets and access routes
  • Works across sealed and unsealed road networks
  • Culvert repairs and landslip remediation
  Works are progressing where conditions allow, despite ongoing wet weather, with some projects staged across delivery phases.

• Counter Disaster Operations (CDO)

  Value: $2.5 million+

  Council coordinated a rapid response during the January–February 2025 event, including:

  • Disaster coordination and response management
  • Traffic control and road closures
  • Installation of warning signage
  • Sandbagging and flood mitigation
  • Distribution of emergency supplies
  • Deployment of staff and plant

  These actions were critical in protecting the community and minimising damage.

• Emergency Works (EW)

  Value: $2.51 million

  Urgent works to restore access and ensure safety, including:

  • Desilting and debris removal
  • Reinstating road formations
  • Filling major scours

• Community and Recreational Asset Recovery Grants (CRARG)

  Total Value: $2.51 million
  Projects: 41

  Funding supports restoration of key community assets, including:

  • JL Kelly Theatre
  • TYTO Library and Precinct
  • Ingham Showgrounds
  • Rotary Park
  • Walking tracks across the Shire
  • Parks, playgrounds, and public facilities
  • Footbridges and wetlands infrastructure

  These works ensure community spaces remain safe, accessible, and functional.

• Funding Partners

  This project is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.