$4 million to continue to boost North Queensland’s Economy

March 9, 2022

Millions of dollars in funding is being made available by the Coalition Government to help existing industries and start-ups in North Queensland areas affected by the 2019 Monsoon trough to rebuild and create jobs.

Round 2 of the North Queensland Economic Diversification Grants program is now open with another $4 million in available funding for projects leading to more jobs and building economic resilience in the 14 local government areas hardest hit by the trough, including Maranoa’s Winton Shire Council. 

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said flexibility is built into the grants providing applicants with an option to apply for any amount from $10,000 to $500,000.

“The grants can be used to expand and enhance an existing industry or create a new venture,” Mr Littleproud said.

“I’ve seen first-hand the potential in towns in Northern and North-West Queensland to leverage their uniqueness to build back in better and more innovative ways.

“We know the best ideas for broadening the region’s economic base will come from locals and these grants support a flexible approach for Winton businesses to attract jobs and bring added revenue to the region.”

Mr Littleproud said $5 million had already been distributed in Round 1 of the grants program, funding fifteen projects across agricultural and non-agricultural sectors including initiatives like an outdoor theatre, vehicle transport for mountain bikers and construction of a processing plant to freeze dry fruit otherwise destined for landfill.

Applications for Round 2 of the North Queensland Economic Diversification Grants close 20 May 2022.

The grants are administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on behalf of the National Recovery and Resilience Agency. Further information is available at www.recovery.gov.au/programs/queensland-monsoon-trough/NQ-economic-diversification-grants.   

The North Queensland Economic Diversification Grants program is one of five measures totalling $60 million announced by the Australian Government in the 2020-21 Budget, to support the region’s ongoing recovery outlined in After the flood: A strategy for long-term recovery.

To view a list of the successful first round projects, visit the National Recovery and Resilience Agency website: www.recovery.gov.au/economic-diversification-grants