Disaster assistance extended for flooded communities

Disaster assistance is now available to Scenic Rim and South Burnett councils to help clean-up and recover after the recent floods in February.

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

Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the joint Commonwealth and State funded DRFA will provide financial support for counter disaster operations and restoration of essential public assets.

“This will help flood affected councils clean-up, aid community recovery and financial support so these communities can get back on their feet sooner,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments are working together to ensure all impacted communities receive the recovery support they need.

"Councils in these regions have reported impacts from the floods such as inundation of houses, road damage and isolation due to flooded access points which has required a multi-agency response."

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said clean-up operations were ongoing in flood affected regions.

“This heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, with damage to public infrastructure and road closures across diverse areas of southern Queensland,” Minister Crawford said.

“Funding will assist with the recovery from this latest event to alleviate the financial burden on these impacted councils.

"Today’s activation brings the number of local governments able to access DRFA assistance in response to this event to nine including Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Logan, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Downs.”

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.

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