State Disaster Relief Assistance activated for Far North

The Queensland Government has activated State Disaster Relief Assistance (SDRA) for communities in the State’s far north affected by torrential rain as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Helen.

Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser said he activated SDRA for six local government areas – Cairns City, Johnstone, Cardwell, Mareeba, Atherton and Eacham.

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Helen has brought torrential rain to the region, including falls of more than 100mm in areas.”

According to the Bureau of Meteorology rainfall totals for the last 24 hours to 4pm include Bulgun Creek 178mm, Tully 118mm, Bolinda Estate 140mm and Davidson Creek 121mm.

Mr Fraser said the Bureau has issued a flood warning for the Tully River and adjacent coastal streams this afternoon and it expects further heavy rainfall tonight and minor flooding is possible tomorrow morning.

Mr Fraser said personal hardship assistance in the form of grants of $160 per person and up to $740 per family for essentials such as food, dry clothes and accommodation were available.

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the personal hardship assistance to individuals and families is administered by the Department of Communities. The Department of Communities can be contacted on 1800 440 074.

"Assistance is also available for building and contents repair and replacement. This assistance is means tested. Maximum assistance is $9800 for individuals and $13200 for couples or families," Mr Fraser said.

"Another form of assistance is for the reimbursement costs for local councils extraordinary disaster management costs such as tarps, machinery hire and private debris clean-up. This support is available under SDRA and it is administered by the Department of Emergency Services' Emergency Management Queensland."

Media Contact Chris Taylor 0419 710 874