CANEGROWERS has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to extend disaster recovery grant applications for primary producers impacted by Cyclone Jasper.

This decision, which extends applications until 30 June 2025 – well after the 2024 harvest season has concluded – will provide sugarcane growers and communities across far north Queensland with the time necessary to recover and rebuild following the cyclone’s widespread devastation.

The Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants program has been a lifeline for those impacted, but many growers have faced challenges accessing funding due to the scale of damage, ongoing contractor shortages, and delays in completing essential recovery work. With heavy rain again falling in the Far North the stress of tyring to recover from one disaster before we face another one is profound.

CANEGROWERS has actively highlighted these difficulties to government decision-makers, ensuring grower concerns were heard and addressed.

“This extension is a practical response to the realities faced by growers across far north Queensland where contractors are in extremely short supply,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said. 

“It will give farming communities the breathing room they need to complete vital recovery works and secure funding that will help them move forward after such a challenging time.”

Cyclone Jasper, which struck in December 2023, caused widespread flooding and damage to homes, farms, and infrastructure across the region. 

Many growers are still grappling with the impacts of this disaster, especially in areas like Mossman, where the distress has been deepened by broader industry uncertainties following the local mill’s closure. 

The extended grant application period offers hope and security to those working to restore their livelihoods.

“This isn’t just about financial assistance,” Mr Galligan said. “It’s about recognising the extraordinary resilience of growers and regional communities, and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to rebuild stronger and more sustainably for the future.”

CANEGROWERS encourages all eligible growers and businesses across far north Queensland to take advantage of the extended application period by visiting the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website at qrida.gov.au.

Wet Tropics Management Authority Executive Director Scott Buchanan says with the wet season once again upon us, it’s timely to reflect on the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which has been described as a once in a millennia event.

In his e-newsletter, Mr Buchanan said the Wet Tropics Management Authority was on ground one year ago to witness the sheer degree of destruction to the environment, as well as the massive dislocation and trauma to isolated communities.

“We worked closely with local and state government agencies and Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples to expediate permits to ensure roads could be repaired and communities opened up without adversely impacting the values of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

“We conducted yellow crazy ant surveys in at-risk sites to be on the front foot of any potential new infestations resulting from floodwaters.

“In March, the Authority held a forum with multiple agencies and scientific experts to provide direction and priorities to an environmental investigations program  for the aftermath of TC Jasper which is being rolled out across nine council shires over the next two to three years.

“We have completed consultations with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples across the Area to assess the impacts of this weather event on their Country. This will help guide the development of funding program guidelines to enable on-Country environmental and cultural recovery works.

“TC Jasper was a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change. As our State of Wet Tropics Report 2023–24 highlights, climate change is the greatest long-term threat to the Area’s integrity, and we need to upscale our collective efforts to ensure the Area survives for future generations.

“The rewards of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in 2024 gives us a beacon to follow in the new year. We are on the right path but it’s time for us all to roll up our sleeves and do the work needed.’’