Flood assistance for Western Queensland

The Queensland Government has activated assistance for nine local government areas in the State’s west following severe storms and associated flooding late last month.

Treasurer and Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser said the Department of Emergency Services recommended the activation of the joint State-Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) for the local government areas of Aramac, Diamantina, Ilfracombe, Jericho, Winton, Barcaldine, Flinders, Isisford and Longreach as a result of severe storms and associated flooding from 22 to 30 December.

“To date, estimates of damage to public infrastructure from local councils and Queensland Government agencies are almost $4 million,” Mr Fraser said.

Mr Fraser said most of the damage was to roads as well as costs incurred for the clean-up of debris as a result of the storms.

The NDRRA assistance activated is for restoration of essential public assets and costs of counter disaster operations, such as the clean-up of debris.

Assistance for the west follows declarations for several flood-affected areas this week including the Gold Coast, Logan, Beaudesert and Boonah, Clifton, Stanthorpe and Warwick on the Darling Downs, Cooloola in the Sunshine Coast area and northern areas including Cairns, Johnstone, Cardwell, Mareeba, Atherton and Eacham.

Media Contact Chris Taylor 3224 5982