Beach clean-up costs covered by flood assistance

The funding for flood relief in South-east Queensland regions will also cover the costs of clearing debris from beaches in popular tourist strips, Treasurer and Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser announced today.

Mr Fraser said all costs incurred by councils for cleaning up beaches would be reimbursed

under the joint State-Commonwealth funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

"The debris on Gold Coast beaches as a result of the floods has been widespread and has had a huge effect for locals and tourists at what is the coast’s peak holiday time,” Mr Fraser said.

“The Department of Emergency Services has advised Gold Coast City Council that the clean-up costs are eligible for NDRRA funding under the Counter Disaster Operations (CDO) relief measure on grounds of public safety and environmental health.

"The hire and erection of safety fencing around eroded sand cliffs could also be considered eligible under NDRRA."

Mr Fraser said debris clearing - such as removing fallen trees from private property or from waterways where it poses a safety or environmental risk - may also be eligible for assistance.

NDRRA provides assistance for restoration of essential public assets - such as bridges - as well as grant and loan assistance to sporting and community not-for-profit organisations, concessional loans for small businesses and concessional loans and freight subsidies for primary producers.

Media Contact Chris Taylor 3224 5982