Bushfire help for North Stradbroke Island

Disaster assistance has been made available for Redland City Council to combat the ongoing bushfires on North Stradbroke Island.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the Commonwealth and Queensland governments were continuing to work together to support recovery efforts as further fire events impacted the State.

“The fires on North Stradbroke Island are a separate event to the fires still burning in Central Queensland, but they have been no less destructive to the natural environment,” Assistant Minister Reynolds said.

“Through the DRFA, we are able to provide Council with assistance to fight the fires as well as funding for operational response activities.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said about 3200 hectares had been burnt across a 22 kilometre stretch of the eastern side of the island, but the response has been positive.

“I am advised aerial drops of fire-fighting gel on the fire adjacent to Duck Lagoon has resulted in success,” Mr Crawford said.

“But I urge people on North Stradbroke Island and the surrounding Southern Moreton Bay islands, especially Russell Island, not to be complacent and closely monitor the current fire situation today, and in the coming days.”

“People can stay up to date by following QFES on social media, visiting the QFES website www.qfes.qld.gov.au and tuning into local radio.”

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.  

Media contacts:

Nicky Hamer 0466 535 875 (Assistant Minister Reynolds)

Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116 (Minister Crawford)