Tourism operators to be financially supported following impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper

65 tourism operators across Queensland's Far North are set to become more resilient to floods with $10 million having been allocated through the Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

The funding support is part of the $29.15 million Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, for tourism operators severely impacted as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper to rebuild stronger, flood-resilient infrastructure through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Some of the funded projects include solar panels, generators, stormwater drains, flood warning systems, hoists, elevated workshops, sealed roads, synthetic flooring, retaining walls, water pumps, rainwater tanks, bore water access and desalination units.

Businesses from Cairns to Palm Cove, Kuranda, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree have been awarded grants from $30,000 to $250,000, with projects to be completed by 30th November 2025.

QLD Tourism Minister Michael Healy shared "These funds will assist tourism operators in reducing their exposure to future natural disasters.

"It will help them keep the lights on, maintain a supply of clean water, preserve equipment, keep roads open and floodwaters out.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of our region, and we have been engaged with tourism operators across the region ever since Cyclone Jasper left a trail of damage last December, to make sure they are getting the support they need.

"This round of funding is all about planning ahead, so we have a more sustainable and resilient tourism industry that is better prepared for when disaster strikes."

 Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Mark Olsen added "It has been a really tough first six months and for operators impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper this will be a huge boost.

"We know that the best investment we can make is in the resilience of our businesses and this funding will help to prepare for future natural disasters so that tourism operators can get back to business as quickly as possible.

"It could be as simple as installing alternate sources of power and water supply, or it may mean rebuilding to avoid future flooding.

"Our industry has done the research to understand how they can improve their business resilience and this funding will assist them to implement these changes."

 The Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program also included:

• $10 million in Tourism Exceptional Assistance Grants, which saw 83 tourism operators funded up to $500,000 each to cover wages, rent and supplies.

• $3 million towards advertising campaigns and events across Cairns and Port Douglas promoting the region, like Savannah Sounds on the Great Barrier Reef.

• $5 million was directed towards immediate hardship support, discounted flights and accommodation.

The grants program is part of more than $156 million committed by the Albanese and Miles Governments to support the long-term recovery of communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

A full list of successful applicants is available here

More information on personal disaster assistance can be found at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.