Funds for Far North operators impacted by tropical low
Tourism Recovery
Tourism operators in North Queensland and parts of Far North Queensland affected by the early 2025 tropical low can now apply for assistance through the newly launched $4m Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure Fund: North Queensland Tropical Low (BRTINQ).
And while the program centres on the extreme weather event and flooding which struck Townsville, several hundred kilometres from the Douglas Shire, local operators who suffered financial loss as a result of cancellations, are encouraged to check their eligibility to apply for funds.
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree chief executive Emma Tunnock said there were certainly some operators who lost financially as a result of the tropical low, with news reporting of the devastation in Townsville and surrounding areas leading to holiday makers cancelling their trips to the Douglas Shire and Daintree region.
“We are challenged at times like this tropical low by the perception of distance and size of Queensland and we did suffer widespread loss of bookings,’’ Ms Tunnock said.
“Widespread news reports broadcast across the country does result in loss of bookings with people not considering the event which happened a few hundred kilometres away in Townsville was not an impact on our region.
“It would be great for businesses who did lose income to be eligible for funds to recoup some of those losses.’’
The initiative aims to support a more sustainable resilient tourism industry, future proofing the region’s tourism operators.
The fund is a key component of the $6.4m Tourism Recovery and Resilience Package, part of the broader $26.2m Small Business and Tourism Recovery Support Package. This package is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
BRTINQ offers grants from $30,000 to $250,000 to help eligible tourism businesses impacted by the tropical low to strengthen their infrastructure and address flooding and natural disaster risks with innovative engineering solutions such as flood prevention works, levees, retaining walls, alternative power sources, and specialised equipment.
Applications are now open and will close on July 31, with projects to be completed by March 31, 2027. The program is being administered by the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Department.
Ms Tunnock said it appeared very similar to the recovery grant funds made available following Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent flooding.
Tourism businesses in the affected local government areas are encouraged to apply promptly to take advantage of this targeted support.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said North and Far North Queensland is home to some of Australia's best tourism destinations, from ancient tropical rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef.
“While recent disasters have made it incredibly difficult for operators during what would be their peak seasons, the Australian and Queensland Governments are partnering to help them face the next severe weather event," Minister McBain said.
“These grants will address some of the vulnerabilities faced by tourism operators and help ensure these already resilient operators continue to play their vital role regionally and on the world stage.”
Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said North Queensland is one of Australia's most iconic tourism destinations and the Government is committed to helping local operators get back on their feet.
“This funding will not only support recovery, but help businesses strengthen their infrastructure so they’re better prepared for future emergency events," Minister Powell said.
“The tourism industry is a lifeline for many communities in the North. This funding is a practical, on-the-ground boost that will help businesses get back on track, protect local jobs and restore confidence in the visitor economy.”
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