Recovery Information
It's essential to recognise that recovery from a disaster can vary significantly from person to person. Returning to normality can either be a quick and straightforward process or complex and take a long time.
When a disaster event happens, the Local Disaster Management Group will assemble its Local Recovery and Resilience Subgroup to:
- ensure people's well-being and support resilience
- rebuild essential infrastructure
- help local economic recovery
- rehabilitate the natural environment.
Recovering from a disaster is typically a gradual process. Safety, as well as mental and physical well-being, are primary concerns. Knowing how to access assistance can make recovery quicker and less stressful.
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Weather Event – North and Far North Tropical Low
Communities within North and Far North Queensland areas affected by the tropical low, commencing 29 January 2025.
Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG)
Update: As of 18 March 2025, the Local Recovery & Resilience Group (LRRG) stood down.
As of 4 February 2025, the Local Recovery & Resilience Group (LRRG) transitioned to Stand Up in preparation for the recovery phase of the recent weather event. On 12 February 2025, the TLDMG stood down, officially marking the transition from response to recovery.
We encourage community members to stay informed about recovery efforts by regularly checking the Disaster Dashboard and visiting our Recovery Information page.
A range of disaster planning documents to assist in the response and recovery of our community in the event of disaster can be found on the TLDMG Plans page.
Local Recovery and Resilience Group (LRRG)
Current Recovery Operations – July 2025
The Local Recovery and Resilience Group (LRRG) continues to actively engage with members of each functional subgroup—Economic, Human and Social, Infrastructure, and Environmental—to monitor recovery progress following the flood events earlier this year. We continue to hold regular meetings to assess ongoing efforts, address emerging challenges, and ensure coordinated action across sectors. In addition to tracking recovery milestones, we are strengthening preparedness ahead of the upcoming high-risk weather season.
Local Recovery Action Plan
The Event Specific Local Recovery & Resilience Action Plan (ESLRRAP) outlines the impacts of the North and Far North Tropical Low disaster, which began on January 29, 2025. Developed in close consultation with local responders and community members actively involved during the event, the plan provides a detailed assessment of the damage to infrastructure, the economy, social wellbeing, and the natural environment.
This action plan serves as a strategic framework to guide and coordinate recovery efforts across Townsville. It promotes a community-led approach, ensuring that recovery is inclusive, locally informed, and effectively managed. The ESLRRAP sets out clear recovery objectives, priority tasks, and measurable outcomes aimed at restoring the region to a new normal, one that is stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for future disasters.
Disaster Recovery Process
The disaster recovery process can be categorised into three phases:
- Stage One: Immediate (Post-impact relief and emergency repairs)
- Stage Two: Short/Medium term (Re-establishment, rehabilitation, and reconstruction)
- Stage Three: Long Term (Restoration, rebuilding, reshaping and sustainability)
The LRRG is in Stage One of the Recovery phase – Immediate recovery (post-impact relief and emergency).
Immediate recovery aims to address and support the immediate needs of individuals, businesses and the community affected by an event. This recovery phase is challenging as it often coincides with response operations. It is the period after a disaster when initial "relief" services are offered to the affected community whilst the LRRG establishes the complete recovery framework. It is also the period when detailed recovery planning, including damage and needs analysis, is undertaken.
LRRG Subgroups
The LRRG has four groups that work together to help plan and support recovery efforts in the Townsville City Council Local Government Area (LGA). These efforts focus on four key areas: human and social needs, infrastructure, the economy, and the environment.
Human and Social Resources
Phone Contacts
If you’re experiencing emotional stress and need support, you can:
- phone Lifeline's crisis hotline on 13 11 14
- phone Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
- phone Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349
- or if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, call 13 YARN (13 92 76).
Disaster Support and Recovery
Financial and support services for people impacted by disasters and emergencies is available on the Disaster Support and Recovery page of the Queensland Government website.
Community Recovery Hubs
Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support. Community Recovery workers will assist with grant applications and offer referrals to other community organisations and government agencies for further assistance.
Currently active hubs can be found on the Find a Community Recovery Hub location page of the Queensland Government website.
Disaster Recovery Directory
During a government declared disaster, the Disaster Recovery Directory will give you a range of local services and supports that can help you get back on your feet after a disaster.
Housing Help After a Disaster
The Housing Help after a Disaster page of the Queensland Government website can help you get help if your home has been damaged or destroyed by a disaster or weather event.
Managing Stress After a Disaster
After a disaster you’ll use a lot of emotional energy coping with your fears, frustrations, and other feelings. The Managing Stress after a Disaster page of the Queensland Government website can assist.
Public Health Advice for Disaster Management
Following the initial impact of a disaster, injury and illness may still occur during clean-up and recovery. The Health and safety during and after a disaster page of the Queensland Government website can assist.
Human and Social Financial Assistance
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is a lump sum payment to help people affected by North Queensland floods that started in January to February 2025.
Disaster Support and Recovery
Financial and support services for people impacted by disasters and emergencies is available on the Disaster Support and Recovery page of the Queensland Government website.
Disaster Recovery Allowance
Support if you’ve lost income as a direct result of North Queensland floods that started in January to February 2025 is available via the Disaster Recovery Allowance.
RACQ Foundation Community Grant Program
The RACQ Foundation Community Grant Program gives community groups, charities, sporting clubs and First Nations Councils the opportunity to rebuild after natural disasters and to prepare for the future with resilience-based projects.
Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program (SRDRP)
Funding of up to $5000 may be available for eligible sport and active recreation organisations located in areas declared under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) via the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program (SRDRP).
Townsville Funding Finder
Townsville Funding Finder provides a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities available to all local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals.
Infrastructure
The Infrastructure Recovery Subgroup provides a multi-agency coordinated response to individuals and families in Townsville who have been disaster-affected. Coordinate planning and implementation of recovery in infrastructure (buildings, roads, and transport).
Infrastructure Resources
Report a Problem
Our crews are busily repairing our road networks, sewers, and water pipes, you can assist us maintaining our city by completing our online Report a Problem Form.
Snap Send Solve
Interact with Council and report problems using the Snap Send Solve app on your iPhone or Android device. Report items such as graffiti, potholes, damaged playground equipment and much more.
Environment
The Environment Recovery Subgroup provides a multi-agency coordinated response to rapid recovery of the Natural Environment. Coordinate and recover our city's natural environments, resilience, and sustainability to rebuild and grow Townsville environmentally.
Environment Resources
Air Quality
Smoke and dust from a bushfire and dust from a dust storm may affect your health. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Air Quality page.
Asbestos During and After a Disaster
Materials containing asbestos may be damaged or released during and after a disaster. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Asbestos During and After a Disaster page.
Drinking Water During and After a Disaster
Drinking water may not be available or safe to drink during or after a disaster. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Drinking Water During and After a Disaster page.
Food Safety After a Disaster
Some of the food in your house may not be safe to eat after a disaster. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Food Safety After a Disaster page.
Health and Safety During and After a Disaster
Following the initial impact of a disaster, injury and illness may still occur during clean-up and recovery. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Health and Safety During and After a Disaster page.
Medication Safety in a Disaster
A disaster may make it difficult for you to access your medication or affect the safety and suitability of certain medications. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Medication Safety in a Disaster page.
Melioidosis
Melioidosis is a rare tropical disease caused by bacteria called Burkholderia pseudomallei. The bacteria are commonly found in soil and water in South-East Asia and northern Australia. Sometimes there have been infections in south Queensland. For more information, visit the Queensland Government's Melioidosis page.
Mosquitos and Black Flies in a Disaster
Mosquito and black fly numbers can increase after a disaster. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Mosquitos and Black Flies in a Disaster page.
Mould After a Disaster
The growth of mould in your home can increase after a disaster. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Mould After a Disaster page.
Swimming Pool Safety After a Disaster
Your swimming pool may not be safe for use after a disaster. For more information, visit Queensland Health's Swimming Pool Safety After a Disaster page.
Economic
The Economic Recovery Subgroup provides a multi-agency coordinated response to businesses in Townsville that have been disaster-affected.
Coordinate, implement, monitor, and report on economic recovery measures within the Townsville City Council LGA.
Economic Resources
Chamber of Commerce
The Townsville Chamber of Commerce provides access to various disaster-related support services on their Disaster Resources page. This includes links to surveys for impacted businesses, business loans, insurance support, disaster recovery allowances, and bank support information.
Co-working Spaces for Flood-Affected Businesses
Are you displaced from your business by the 2025 January flood event? Smart Precinct NQ are offering co-working spaces to help you stay productive and connected. Supporting you with access to a workspace, coffee, power, and internet—all at no cost. Just bring your laptop!
Funding for Individuals, Communities, and Businesses
Multiple financial arrangements, including funding programs, are available in Queensland to assist state and local governments, businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disaster events. For more information visit the Queensland Reconstruction Authority's Funding for Individuals, Communities, and Businesses page.
Townsville Enterprise
Townsville Enterprise (TEL) plays a role in leading the economic progress of the region through political advocacy, investment attraction, and tourism development. TEL has industry resources available that assist in early preparations, response and recovery. For more information visit their Disaster Response Information page.
Returning to Your Property After a Flood
In the aftermath of floods, your priority should be safety. Read some further tips from the Insurance Council of Australia for what to do when you return to your property after floods on their What to do When you Return to Your Property After a Flood page.
Economic Financial Assistance
Australian Taxation Office
If you've been affected by an event or natural disaster such as a bushfire, cyclone, drought, flood, or storm, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can support you. Visit their Summary of Our Disaster Support page for more information.
Better Local Business Grant Program
The Better Local Business grant program provides support to chambers of commerce, small and family business associations, industry associations and local councils to bring local business owners and stakeholders together to address key business concerns, issues or opportunities in their region.
Disaster Assistance Available for Small Business
Queensland businesses impacted during disaster events may be eligible for low-interest loans and grants to help them recover. Visit the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website for more information.
Fair Work Ombudsman
Find advice on pay and leave entitlements for you and your employees during natural disasters and emergencies on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Flood Resilience for North and Far North Queensland (Stronger Homes Grant)
If you were affected by the 2025 North and Far North Queensland flood event, you may be eligible for the Stronger Homes Grant to improve your home’s resilience against future flooding.
The grant is available for eligible works up to $10,000. Examples of eligible works include raising electrical switchboards and replacing wall lining to be flood resilient.
Applications for the grant are now open.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Supporting rural and small business through all seasons. Rural Financial Counselling Service offers free financial counselling and wellness coaching to help North Queensland agribusiness and small business work through adversity and plan for the future.
How Can I Help?
Your first step should be to check in with your neighbours and try to assist them wherever possible. If you have already checked in with your neighbours and still wish to help with the disaster recovery, there are several organisations you may contact to offer further assistance.
Donations
GIVIT
GIVIT is a national not-for-profit organisation connecting those who have with those who need, in a private and safe way. GIVIT matches donation offers with identified requests from a storm, fire, flood or cyclone affected region, thereby eliminating the need for organisations to store and sort unexpected donations.
Volunteering
Australian Red Cross
Australian Red Cross is a leading humanitarian aid and community service organisation, which is committed to supporting and empowering people and communities in times of vulnerability.
Disaster Relief Australia
Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) unites the skills and experiences of Australian Defence Force veterans, emergency responders and civilians to rapidly deploy disaster relief teams domestically and around the globe.
Lions Clubs Australia
Lions Clubs Australia is a volunteer organisation that contributes to disaster and emergency relief, medical research and community service.
Rotary Club of Townsville
The Rotary Club of Townsville is part of a worldwide organisation of business and professional leaders.
Rural Fire Service Queensland
The Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) is a state-run volunteer organisation designed to help the Queensland community by undertaking fire prevention activities, responding to the outbreak of fires within the local community and assisting in times of disaster.
State Emergency Service
The State Emergency Service (SES) is a state-run volunteer organisation designed to help the Queensland community in times of emergencies and disasters. Residents who wish to join the local SES Unit should contact the Townsville SES Local Controller on 07 4722 0000.
Volunteering Queensland
Volunteering Queensland registers the interest of potential disaster volunteers through its EV CREW service. These potential volunteers are then referred to and managed by Councils and organisations requesting volunteer assistance in disaster-affected communities.
Feedback
Natural Disaster Business Impact Survey
The Queensland Government is ready to support you, our small and family business owners experiencing the impacts of the flooding in January/February in North Queensland. Helping you get back on your feet is their priority, so they are seeking information to assist them at the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business to determine what is needed most during this challenging time.
Fill out the Natural Disaster Business Impact Survey to help with understanding the impact on affected businesses and what assistance is required.
