Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants remain open for eligible primary producers directly affected by the North and Far North Tropical Low that occurred from 29 January to 28 February 2025.
Applications close on 14 August 2026. The maximum grant is $75,000, but the grant is not a general payment for lost income or every effect of the disaster.
Direct damage and declared location are essential
Applicants must operate an eligible primary production enterprise in a defined disaster area and show direct damage from the eligible event. They must also satisfy the other current criteria, including carrying on the enterprise when affected and intending to re-establish it in the defined area.
A business outside the declared area, or one experiencing only indirect revenue loss, should not assume this recovery grant applies. Other disaster assistance products may use different tests.
What the grant may support
QRIDA describes assistance for eligible clean-up, reinstatement and emergency measures. Examples can include hiring or purchasing eligible equipment and materials, debris removal, fencing replacement and other approved recovery costs.
Every cost still needs to fit the guidelines. Ordinary operating expenses and work unrelated to direct disaster recovery may not qualify.
Evidence changes as claims progress
QRIDA allows an initial pathway intended to help restart activity, followed by later claims requiring fuller evidence of expenditure and payment. Applicants should read the current page and guidelines carefully because evidence requirements depend on the amount and claim stage.
Prepare:
- photographs of direct damage
- ABN and primary-production evidence
- property and declared-area details
- quotes, tax invoices and official receipts
- proof of payment for claimed expenditure
- insurance policy and claim information
- explanation linking each cost to disaster clean-up or reinstatement
- records of any earlier payment or related assistance
Keep pre-repair photographs wherever it was safe and practical to do so. A clean evidence trail is particularly important when urgent work has already occurred.
Insurance must be addressed
The grant cannot duplicate repairs covered by insurance. QRIDA requires insurance information and explains that assessment or finalisation may depend on the insurance outcome. Applicants should disclose the claim and separate insured, uninsured and potentially eligible excess amounts.
Do not leave location and evidence checks until the final week
The 14 August 2026 closing date is close. Confirm the declared area, applicant eligibility and evidence requirements before investing time in a complete application. If a fact is unclear, contact QRIDA using the details on the official program page.
This article is a preparation guide, not an eligibility decision. QRIDA and the current program guidelines determine whether an enterprise, location, event impact and expenditure are eligible.