Farmers Denied Federal Funding for Livestock Losses in Queensland Floods

Farmers who lost thousands of animals in widespread flooding this wet season have been denied federal funding to help rebuild their herd.

It's estimated 90,000 head of livestock were killed in several disasters in Queensland between December 2025 and April 2026.

But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected a state government proposal for a $94 million jointly-funded restocking package, saying Queensland should fund it itself.

The decision has angered local leaders, who say without support for the cattle industry the region's entire economy will struggle.

'Devastating' funding rejection

The support package proposed by the state government was modelled off a similar scheme introduced after the catastrophic 2019 floods, in which almost 500,000 animals were lost.

Provided by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, graziers received matched funding for up to $500,000 spent on replacing livestock, split between the state and federal governments.

Like in 2019, the region around Julia Creek in north west Queensland was among the hardest hit in the most recent disaster.

McKinlay Shire mayor Janene Fegan said some graziers reported even higher individual losses this time, and the request was a "no-brainer".

"They're just head down, working hard, getting fences up, trying to look ahead … but there are a few that are feeling a little bit despondent.

"To have that little leg-up would relieve a lot of anxiety."

No justification

Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the prime minister did not provide any justification when he wrote to the premier rejecting the proposal.

"It's extremely heartbreaking and obviously going to have a significant impact, not just directly to those primary producers.

"[In] all those regional towns the businesses rely on the success of those grazing businesses, primary industries, to be able to support them."

Instead, the federal government announced it would provide an additional $48 million to the joint government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

It brings the total spend for 13 council areas affected by the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji and Cyclone Narelle between December 2025 and April 2026 to $222 million.

Making the announcement, Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the governments were working together to "ensure support is delivered where it is needed the most".

When asked about the restocking proposal, a spokesperson for the minister said the state government could choose to fund its own recovery package beyond the national arrangements.

"The Queensland government is not limited by the DRFA and can make available other forms of assistance it deems necessary to support primary producers," the spokesperson said.

But Mr Perrett said it was unlikely the state government would fund a program without federal backing.

"It's very clear that these funding arrangements should be jointly funded between the state and federal governments as they have been for a long period of time."

Turned away in 'hour of need'

North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils chair and Etheridge Shire mayor Barry Hughes said it was a disappointing outcome.

He said community representatives would continue to push both governments for restocking support.

"I've seen the devastation. I've seen cows without calves and calves without mothers, and we're in the tens of thousands of stock losses," he said.

"I can tell you that Queensland is in for a rough ride."