Extra disaster assistance for more Queensland communities affected by TC Trevor

Disaster assistance has been extended to individuals and families affected by Tropical Cyclone Trevor in targeted areas of Cook in Far North Queensland.

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

Minister for Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC and Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said all levels of government were working together to help communities recover as quickly as possible.

“Tropical Cyclone Trevor brought widespread heavy rainfall and damaging winds that uprooted trees, caused flash flooding and cut power to residents in Cook Shire,” Minister Reynolds said.

“Through the DRFA, relief measures are now available in the Iron Range area of Cook, including the communities of Portland Road and Cape Weymouth.

“This assistance will help to alleviate personal hardship and assist with the safe reconnection of essential services.

“Emergency hardship assistance payments of up to $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more for food, clothing, emergency accommodation or medical supplies are now available.”

Mr Crawford said assistance would continue to be made available to the communities and sectors that needed it the most.

“Communities across Far North Queensland are no strangers to monsoonal conditions, but this summer disaster season has tested the limits of the region’s resilience,” he said.

“In addition to the hardship payments, eligible homeowners in Cook will be able to access Essential Services Safety and Reconnection payments of up to $5000 to inspect and/or repair damaged uninsured essential services including electricity, gas, water, sewerage and septic systems.

“These assistance measures for Cook communities are in addition to the DRFA measures already available for Cook Shire Council, Aurukun Shire Council and Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council to assist with recovery from Cyclone Trevor.

“We are working closely with the Commonwealth to ensure impacted communities in Queensland receive all the assistance available to help them on their long road to recovery.”

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

ENDS

Media contacts:

Nicky Hamer 0437 989 927 (Minister Reynolds)

Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116 (Minister Crawford)