Disaster Assistance for Communities Impacted by Tropical Cyclone Penny

Disaster assistance is now available for communities in Far North Queensland impacted by the severe weather and flooding brought on by Tropical Cyclone Penny. 

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, said the Commonwealth and Queensland governments are committed to supporting the long-term recovery of affected communities.

“Financial assistance is now available for Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council to aid their community recovery,” Assistant Minister Reynolds said.

“The assistance will help fund clean-up operations and restore public infrastructure damaged by the cyclone.”

Queensland’s Acting Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Leeanne Enoch, said some areas received more than 800 millimetres of rain as a result of Tropical Cyclone Penny.

“The heavy rainfall caused flooding and road closures across the region, isolating several communities,” Ms Enoch said.

"This funding will help impacted councils with counter-disaster operations, including sand-bagging, tree clearing, and repairing damage to the roads.”

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.