DISASTER ASSISTANCE EXTENDED FOR NORTH AND FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND COMMUNITIES

Disaster assistance has been extended for communities in Burdekin, Cairns, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Townsville and Whitsunday regions due to record-breaking monsoonal floods still impacting North and Far North Queensland. 

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is in addition to the assistance already activated for the region.

Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the Commonwealth and Queensland governments continued to work together to support ongoing recovery efforts as the flooding continues.

“As rain continues falls in the North and more areas succumb to flooding, it is clear more communities will need assistance to help aid their recovery,” Assistant Minister Reynolds said.

“Through the DRFA, we are able to offer assistance to Burdekin, Cairns, Hope Vale, Townsville and Whitsunday councils to help cover the cost of repairs associated with the floods.

“In addition, we are extending the assistance measures available to targeted areas in Cook Shire Council, Douglas Shire Council and Townsville City Council to include personal hardship assistance and the reconnection of essential services.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the monsoon trough had brought very heavy rainfall and flooding to several regions.

“The record rainfall and flooding has led to communities being isolated, livestock washed away, power loss, landslips and damage to essential public assets,” Minister Crawford said.

“Communities in eight local council areas in North and Far North Queensland now have access to disaster assistance with Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council already activated for a range of assistance.

“I am pleased to be able to extend these assistance measures at this time and I urge all residents in the region who may be at risk to stay safe and follow all directions from Police and Emergency Services.

“We are actively monitoring this ongoing flooding situation and remain committed to closely working with the Commonwealth to support impacted communities as required.”

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.

Or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349

Media contacts: Nicky Hamer 0437 989 927 (Assistant Minister Reynolds) | Kerryn Manifold 0428 510 973 (Minister Crawford)