Federal Government To Announce Additional Support Packages For FNQ Flood Victims

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce additional support packages on Friday to assist those affected by the Far North Queensland floods.

The “further” support package will be “on top of what we’re providing for individuals” and be available for primary producers and small businesses.

“A package of support for primary producers, one for small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, support for each of the nine local government areas,” Mr Albanese said on ABC News Breakfast.

“There is an initial package: $25 million for primary producers and $25 million for small business.

“Each of the local government areas will receive additional – on top of the other grants that will be there a $1 million top-up payment because of the additional costs that they are having.”

A separate package will also be announced for the tourism sector, which is already feeling a massive blow from the floods.

The ABC says already $125 million in holiday cancellations have already been made.

Mr Albanese urged holiday-goers to continue their plans on heading to Far North Queensland to ensure the economic effects of the floods do not exacerbate.

“A tourism recovery $5m for advertising and to get out there and get the message around to Australia but also overseas if needs be,” Mr Albanese said.

“It is vital if you have booked a trip to Far North Queensland that you take it up, that you don’t cancel.

“It is critical from the tourism sector. I heard last night that they are concerned about the number of can that are occurring because that will just mean the impact of the floods are multiplied for the economy here in the far north.”

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on Listnr today. The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes.