Burketown is the larger township in the Burke shire with a population of approximately 204 people. Located on the Albert River in the Gulf of Carpentaria, The Gangalidda people are recognised as the traditional owners of land in and around Burketown and are a part of Australia’s rich cultural heritage that dates back more than 70,000 years.  

2019 North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough 

The 2019 Monsoon Trough was a catastrophic event, damaging communities from Townsville to west to Mount Isa, creating long term social and economic damage. 39 local councils across Queensland were impacted from the Monsoon Trough. 

Due to the significant damage, $58 million was funded for the North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough to be used for relief, recovery and reconstruction. 

This package was funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments to support Queensland communities in their recovery. 

The package included funding for: 

• Increasing the economic diversification of the region.  
• Improving access to reliable and affordable telecommunications and energy.  
• Mental health measures for children. 
• Improving disaster risk management planning.  
• Regional recovery and resilience building.  

Supporting First Nations businesses and boosting tourism 

In far North Queensland’s Burketown, 450 kilometres from the nearest big town, Yagurli Tours has been a thriving business. Operated by the region’s Gangalidda and Garawa people since 2017, Yagurli tours runs fishing charters, cultural tours and stargazing experiences. 

As a result of the funding provided through the Far North and North Queensland Monsoon Trough Package, Yagurli tours is now Australia’s only First Nations-run hot air balloon operator. After partnering with Balloon Aloft, they now have their own balloon to fly over the remarkable landscape and create an even more special moment for their tours.