DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR QUEENSLAND LOCAL COUNCILS IMPACTED BY TROPICAL CYCLONE GILLIAN AND FEBRUARY FLOODING

Published Monday, 12 May, 2014 at 04:00 PM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Queensland Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey announced that local councils affected by Tropical Cyclone Gillian in March, and by flooding in February, will receive disaster assistance.

The assistance is being provided under the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

“Through the NDRRA, the Commonwealth is providing funding to assist states and local councils to undertake counter disaster operations, clean-up activities and the restoration of damaged community infrastructure,” Mr Keenan said.

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council and Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council will receive financial support for the restoration or replacement of essential public assets damaged by Tropical Cyclone Gillian in March.

Diamantina Shire Council will receive financial support for the restoration of infrastructure damaged by heavy rainfall and flooding which occurred across central and western Queensland in February.

“Cyclones and flooding events such as these can place a significant financial burden on local councils,” Mr Dempsey said.

“It is clear that these events have taken a toll on local infrastructure and essential public assets in these areas.

“This assistance will ensure that affected communities have support to help them clean-up and rebuild.”

Further information on natural disaster recovery assistance can be found at www.disaster.qld.gov.au or at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

ENDS 9 May 2014

Media contacts:         Callum Stewart 0403 925 703 (Minister Dempsey’s Office)

                                   Emily Broadbent 0400 390 008 (Minister Keenan’s Office)