A long journey to recovery ahead for flood-impacted North Queensland

The St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland warns recovery could take years for flood-impacted residents across northern Queensland, but it’s not a journey they need to go through alone.

Far North Queensland President Veronica Innes said recovery will be a slow and arduous journey, but not an impossible one.

“We still receive regular requests from people who were hit by Cyclone Jasper, and that was back in December 2023,” she said.

“It can be a very slow process and it’s important we all support our communities through it.”

Townsville President Brian Headford said volunteer Members across impacted regions had already started to deliver clothing, food, bedding and school supplies to impacted regions, but said the real work begins once the floods waters clear.

“Our focus is on supporting residents with long-term recovery,” he said.

“Thankfully some of the highways, including to Ingham, have re-opened and we can start to deliver resources in regional impacted areas.”

CEO Kevin Mercer said flood-impacted residents could reach the St Vincent de Paul Society for help by calling 1800 846 643.

“There will come a time when the waters have receded and disasters like these begin to fade from the news and the rest of the country will seem to have moved on. But the financial, physical, and emotional impacts will still be felt by residents of North Queensland for months and even years to come,” he said.

“Regional Queenslanders are known for their strength and courage – but I do encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to not be afraid to reach out for help.

“We are tough, but we still look after each other – that’s the Queensland way.”

Financial donations to support impacted residents can be made at vinnies.org.au/northqldfloodappeal2025

The State Government’s Personal Hardship Assistance payments are also available for impacted residents by contacting qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.