After the flood: Federal government commits $58 million to recovery

The federal government funding was secured by the National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency and coincided with the release of the agency's report, After the flood: A strategy for long-term recovery.

The report identified five priority areas for long-term recovery and prosperity; broadening the economic base, building more resilient infrastructure, building prosperous enterprises, fostering connected and cohesive communities, and supporting information enabled regions.

Richmond Mayor John Wharton said the $58m package was a great incentive.

"It's well put together, we're very pleased about it and think it's a great opportunity for those 14 councils to get a bit of money back," Cr Wharton said.

"Local government dipped in pretty hard at the time without any thought about compensation; we had to dip in and use our own budget immediately to look after our own people."

Flinders Mayor Jane McNamara said communications connectivity proposals would be a big focus for her shire.

"We're very excited about improved connectivity between our shires and improved communications between our far-flung centres and along the major freight routes," Cr McNamara said.

"This will improve communications and safety when people are travelling long distances and obviously if there are any accidents we will have better connectivity to get the services there in a timely manner."

Cr McNamara said they would continue to lobby for upgrades to interconnecting roads between major communities.

"We've already been lobbying for better connectivity up the Kenendy Development Road, which has almost finished being sealed, there's 265 kilometres of black spot on that route," she said.

"It's very important for us to get that new freight route done as quickly as possible so it's safe for people to drive and to get better connectivity for all of our landholders between the Lynd and Hughenden.

"Another state road which we have on our Flinders agenda is the Hughenden to Winton Road. It is already sealed but has only one little satellite and is a distance over 200 kilometres as well."

Winton Mayor Gavin Baskett said communications would also be a focus in his region.

Cr Baskett said some properties went for 10 days without contact and internet connections were unreliable.

"Connectivity is not only communications; it's community hubs, checking on your mates and making sure your mental health is okay," he said.

Cr Baskett said the report was not necessarily a flood document and could also be applied to drought.

He supports the goal to broaden the north west's economic base.

"Out here the Age of Dinosaurs is doing a great job, so is the Waltzing Matilda Centre, and we're looking at building an aged care facility," Cr Baskett said.

"Those projects will help drought-proof the town by creating work there - rain, hail or shine."

Drought and Flood Coordinator-General Shane Stone toured the regions recently with a simple message, you have not been forgotten.

"It was important to me that this strategy's release came with funded measures. These include a recovery and resilience grants program; funding for improved access to reliable telecommunications and energy services; increasing skills in disaster risk management planning and risk mitigation; and preventative mental health programs for young people," Mr Stone said.

"This funding will be available shortly and we will continue to collaborate with them as to how the five grants initiatives will be rolled-out."

Cr Baskett said Prime Minister Scott Morrison had followed through on his flood recovery commitment.

"With drought, bushfires, and worldwide pandemic it could have fallen of the radar but it didn't," Cr Baskett.

"He promised he would see it through to the end and having this strategy funded is a great show of support."