Joint release on Disaster Assistance for Communities in North Queensland

Disaster assistance has been made available for the local government areas of Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Cassowary Coast and Yarrabah, which have been affected by the recent rainfall and associated flooding.

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

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said funding was being made available through the NDRRA to support response operations, repair flood-damaged assets and provide personal hardship assistance to heavily impacted communities.

“The north of Queensland has again faced heavy rainfall and flooding. A number of residential properties and businesses have been flooded and several communities have been isolated.”

“The assistance announced today is designed to help those affected get back on their feet and speed up the recovery process for the community,” Mr Taylor said.

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the funding demonstrated the Australian and Queensland Governments' commitment to providing continued relief and recovery assistance following natural disasters.

“It is clear these communities are enduring significant hardship. It is important that they receive the assistance they need to recover as quickly as possible,” Mr Crawford said.

“This funding will give an extra helping hand to those who need it the most. We will continue to monitor the situation and will extend assistance under the NDRRA to other affected communities as required.”

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

Media Contacts:

Neil Doorley 0412 393 909 (Minister Crawford)

Alicja Rudz 0481 907 178 (Minister Taylor)