Disaster assistance for Queensland communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Debbie

Published Tuesday, 28 March, 2017 at 08:18 PM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Mark Ryan

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Queensland Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan today announced disaster assistance in response to Tropical Cyclone Debbie that has affected eight local government areas today.

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

Minister Keenan said like all Australians, my thoughts today are with the people of Far North Queensland who have braced themselves for the onslaught of Cyclone Debbie.

“Our number one concern remains the safety of those in the cyclone’s path. I urge people to continue to exercise extreme caution, avoid risks and stay off the road. If it’s flooded- forget it,” Mr Keenan said.

“The Australian Government has worked hand in glove with our Queensland counterparts to ensure that we are as prepared as possible, and have acted swiftly today to provide immediate assistance for affected local government areas.”

Minister Ryan said counter-disaster operations assistance will be made available to the eight local government areas of Burdekin, Charters Towers, Isaac, Hinchinbrook, Mackay, Palm Island, Townsville and Whitsunday.

“As the full impacts of this tropical cyclone become evident, we will continue to activate support for the affected communities,” Mr Ryan said.

Information on disaster assistance available for this natural disaster can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/ and the Queensland Government’s Disaster management website at http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/.

Media contacts:

Danielle McKay 0438 390 273 or Shannen Wilkinson 0476 820 816 (Minister Keenan)

Michelle Connolly 0478 325 738 (Minister Ryan)