Disaster assistance activated for far north Queensland

The State and Federal Governments have activated disaster relief funding for two far northern communities following recent significant bushfires.

Acting Minister for Police and Community Safety Steve Dickson said Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) Part B had been activated for the Etheridge Shire Council and Tablelands Regional Council areas.

Mr Dickson said the arrangements have been made available to assist local bushfire-affected communities with recovery costs and include Natural Disaster Assistance (Concessional Loans) and freight subsidies for primary producers.

“Both Commonwealth and Queensland Governments are committed to supporting affected communities to ensure they can recover as soon as possible,” Mr Dickson said.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh toured the affected regions last week and subsequently made requests to Government for the assistance.

“At this stage the total damage bill for the region is still being assessed but local and district disaster management groups would continue to monitor the situation,” Mr McVeigh said.

More information about the funding can be sought by contacting the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority or Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

[ENDS] 24 December 2012

Media Contacts: Danny Donald 0439 719 116 or Lea Emery 0417 226 114