Toowoomba and Western Downs regions to receive disaster assistance

Disaster assistance has been made available for communities in the Toowoomba and Western Downs regions as a result of a trough that delivered storms, heavy rains and isolated flooding in December last year.

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

Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said the Commonwealth and Queensland governments are working together to support impacted communities.

“These storms damaged local roads and infrastructure, causing serious disruption to communities in the region,” Assistant Minister Reynolds said.

“Through the DRFA, we are able to alleviate the cost of repairing these roads to support the restoration and development of a prosperous regional economy.

 “The assistance will help cover costs associated with counter disaster operations and restoring damaged public assets.”

Minister Crawford said the trough delivered almost 300 millimetres of rainfall within a 24 hour period.

“Over three days, the region was lashed by heavy rain, resulting in some roads being swamped for up to five days, damaging their integrity and isolating communities,” Minister Crawford said.

“Roads are the lifeblood for regional communities and are vital for anyone traveling to work, moving stock and freight or going to school.

“By working together, the Commonwealth and Queensland governments are ensuring that the Toowoomba and Western Downs regions are supported in their recovery.”

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 0437 989 927 (Assistant Minister Reynolds)

Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116 (Minister Crawford)