Mayors warn disaster funding overhaul could leave Queensland exposed

Published on 12 August 2026

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The Darling Downs and South West Queensland (DDSWQ) Council of Mayors says proposed changes to the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements (DRFA) risk weakening regional Queensland’s ability to recover from natural disasters, placing essential infrastructure and local economies at greater risk.

Meeting in Goondiwindi, the Mayors noted that although the group represents just 10 of Queensland’s 77 councils, they maintain around 25 per cent of the state’s local government road network.

Chair Mayor Geoff McDonald said the proposed funding cuts come as disaster exposure continues to rise.

“Our councils have delivered more than a billion dollars in recovery works since 2018. We know what it takes to rebuild communities, and we know how vital Commonwealth support is,” Mayor McDonald said.

“A reduction of more than $230 million in future disaster funding would hit regional Queensland hardest. After a year where 96 per cent of councils were disaster declared, now is not the time to reduce support.”

Under the proposed Disaster Recovery Funding Framework, DDSWQ councils would have seen a $230 million reduction in Commonwealth support, out of the $1.03 billion in recovery works delivered since 2018.

Regional priorities reaffirmed

The Mayors confirmed key priorities for the year ahead, including:

  • Upgrades to critical freight routes
  • Telecommunications resilience during disasters
  • Bulk water supply planning and long‑term urban water security
  • Insurance affordability
  • DRFA reform to remove funding uncertainty
  • Economic growth through freight, water and telecommunications
  • Energy community benefit linked to potential Renewable Energy Zones
  • Brisbane 2032 opportunities for tourism and regional product supply

Mayor McDonald said the group remains united in its advocacy.

“We have clear priorities, shared challenges and a strong commitment to securing the infrastructure, policy settings and investment our communities need.”

About the DDSWQ Council of Mayors

Representing the communities of Bulloo, Quilpie, Paroo, Murweh, Maranoa, Balonne, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and Toowoomba.

Caption: Cr Bill Winks (Deputy Mayor - Balonne Shire Council), Cr John (Tractor) Ferguson (Bulloo Shire Council), Cr Andrew Smith (Western Downs Regional Council), Cr Mayor Shaun Radnedge (Murweh Shire Council), Cr Suzette Beresford (Paroo Shire Council), Cr Ben Hall (Quilpie Shire Council), Cr Geoff McDonald (Toowoomba Regional Council), Cr Melissa Hamilton (Southern Downs Regional Council), Cr Wendy Taylor (Maranoa Regional Council), Cr Lawrence Springborg (Goondiwindi Regional Council). 

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