Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland governments, provides financial assistance to support recovery from eligible natural disasters and terrorist acts. Managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), it aims to alleviate financial burdens on communities, businesses, and local governments by funding essential recovery measures.

The program’s total funding pool varies by disaster event, with the Commonwealth contributing up to 75% of costs. It supports economic recovery, infrastructure restoration, and community resilience, complementing Queensland’s State Disaster Relief Arrangements (SDRA) for comprehensive disaster recovery.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Varies by category; e.g., up to $250,000 for loans, $2,500–$100,000 for Category C grants.
• Application open and close dates: Varies by disaster event; e.g., Category C Round 1 closed 21 October 2022.
• Eligible industries or business types: Small businesses, primary producers, not-for-profits, and local governments.
• Required co-contributions: Yes, Queensland covers at least 25% of costs.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Queensland, specific disaster-activated areas.

Priority Sectors

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements grant program prioritises primary production, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations, and local government infrastructure impacted by eligible disasters.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts:
  • Category A: Varies (e.g., Emergency Hardship Assistance, income-tested grants).
  • Category B: Up to $250,000 (loans); freight subsidies vary.
  • Category C: $2,500–$50,000 (small grants); $50,001–$100,000 (large grants).
  • Category D: Varies, tailored for exceptional circumstances.
• Categories or streams of funding:
  • Category A: Personal hardship assistance (e.g., emergency grants, household contents).
  • Category B: Counter-disaster operations, public asset reconstruction, loans.
  • Category C: Community recovery funds, recovery grants.
  • Category D: Exceptional circumstances (e.g., environmental recovery).
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Typically 12 months for Category C; varies for others.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool depends on the disaster event and is not fixed annually.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Small businesses, primary producers, not-for-profits.
• Registered business location: Queensland, within disaster-activated areas.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Uninsured losses prioritised; compliance with QRA guidelines.
• ABN/GST status: Active ABN required; GST registration if applicable.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Repair or replacement of damaged equipment, stock, or buildings.
• Counter-disaster operations (e.g., debris removal, public safety measures).
• Reconstruction of essential public assets (e.g., roads, bridges).
• Community recovery initiatives (e.g., events, capacity building).
• Environmental recovery (e.g., debris cleanup, pest control).

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Combination; Categories A and B are entitlement-based, Categories C and D are competitive.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Impact of disaster and financial hardship.
  • Alignment with recovery and resilience goals.
  • Cost-effectiveness and project feasibility.

Recent Program Updates

The Queensland Disaster Funding Guidelines (QDFG) were updated in December 2024 for events from that date onward. Recent activations include $20 million for pest control post-western Queensland floods (August 2025) and $2 million for North and Far North Tropical Low environmental cleanup (closing 24 September 2025). The definition of primary producer now includes agricultural support services, applied retrospectively.

Application Tips

• Verify eligibility through QRA or QRIDA for specific disaster events.
• Prepare evidence of disaster impact and financial losses.
• Align applications with QDFG priorities for recovery and resilience.
• Submit via the MARS portal (councils/agencies) or QRIDA for businesses.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group for an initial eligibility assessment and project alignment review. Visit qra.qld.gov.au, for guidelines and support.