More government funding has been allocated to help flood victims in western Queensland.  

The $105 million injection will provide grants of up to $500,000 to eligible farmers to rebuild damaged fencing and protect surviving livestock.  

There is also a $12 million Emergency Fodder Support Package, and disaster loans of $5 million, recognising the devastation to farmers and the number of animals lost.  

The region has endured its heaviest flooding in 50 years, with livestock herds devastated.

The disaster-declared region’s cattle, sheep and goat activity contributed almost $800 million to Queensland last financial year, according to state Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett.

“Once surviving stock can get access to grass, the effort will turn to critical fencing repairs. It will take an enormous effort and this funding will assist,” he said.

“We will work with Channel Country graziers to return this part of the state to full production.  

“We understand the heartbreak, we understand the impact, but we are here to support you with whatever is needed and give hope there will be better seasons ahead.”  

The new grant pool means more than $160 million of government support has been pledged.  

A previously announced $57.5 million package offers up to $75,000 for farmers and $25,000 for small businesses and non-profits for cleaning, repairs and asset replacement, restocking and replanting.  

Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy says the package is crucial to getting western Queensland back on its feet.  

“These communities are our state’s heartland and right now they need our help more than ever,” she said.  

“It will be a long journey for these communities, but these floodwaters will not wash away our collective resolve and we will be with them every step of the way.”  

Other assistance includes concessional loans and personal hardship assistance, and funding for councils’ counter-disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.

Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall said on April 2 only a small number of claims had been received after the floods and insurers were “assisting customers to help ease stress and uncertainty”. 

“Once access is restored, insurers stand ready to deploy resources to impacted areas,” he said.

The region experienced more than a year’s rainfall in about a week.

Last week, WFI Insurance announced a $250,000 donation to charity Rural Aid, supporting efforts such as delivering feed to stranded livestock.