CQ floods - Emerald disaster declaration extended; assistance for Livingstone shire

The Queensland Government has extended the “disaster situation” declaration for Emerald shire and activated assistance for flood-affected residents, farmers and businesses in Livingstone shire, near Rockhampton.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said Premier Anna Bligh and Governor Her Excellency Quentin Bryce this morning approved the extension to the “disaster situation” declaration made last Monday (21 January).

“Under the Disaster Management Act 2003, the declaration of a ‘disaster situation’ operates for seven days. After that initial seven days, the declaration must be extended,” Mr Roberts said.

“While the Nogoa River floodwaters at Emerald are receding and the Vince Lester Bridge is once again open to traffic, the recommendation to me was to extend the declaration for a further seven days.”

Mr Roberts said by declaring a ‘disaster situation’ the Government can exercise a range of powers, such as the evacuation of people and animals, to ensure public safety and public order.

“We made the declaration last week as a precaution. That remains the case. The co-operation and community spirit from people across the shire - Emerald, Gemfields and surrounding areas - has been inspiring,” Mr Roberts said.

In addition, Mr Roberts said he had activated the joint Queensland and Federal Government funding for flood-affected communities, primary producers and small businesses for Livingstone shire.

“Residents in Livingstone shire north of Rockhampton have already been isolated by Fitzroy River floodwaters,” Mr Roberts said.

“As floodwaters in the Fitzroy River continue to rise at Rockhampton, I expect further activations of Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) will be recommended.”

Livingstone shire is the 53rd shire where the joint State-Commonwealth NDRAA support has been activated for heavy rain and flooding associated with the monsoonal low.

Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten and Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan said the preparations for rising floodwaters in Rockhampton, Yaamba and on potentially flood-affected properties had been comprehensive.

“The full complement of Queensland Government agencies have been working co-operatively with the local councils to make the best possible preparations for the floodwaters this week. Rocky is well prepared for this,” Mr Schwarten said.

“We are erring on the side of caution. Rockhampton residents are no strangers to major floods, but we will not be complacent.”

Mr Hoolihan said the activation of NDRRA assistance for Livingstone shire would give local residents comfort that once the floodwaters recede assistance was available for the recovery.

NDRRA assistance can provide concessional loans for primary producers and small businesses affected by flooding, and freight subsidies for producers as well as personal hardship assistance and costs for restoring public assets, such as roads, and for costs of local councils' extraordinary disaster management.

"Personal hardship assistance and aid to restore public assets, such as roads and bridges, and pay for council counter disaster operations has been activated in these areas," Mr Roberts said.

"Assistance for affected producers and small business is in the form of concessional loans of up to $150,000."

"Eligible producers can apply for up to 50% of their total freight costs."

"Items for transport may include emergency fodder, building and fencing materials associated with primary production, machinery and equipment, water, and animals purchased for restocking.”

"The maximum combined freight subsidy payment per property is $5000 (excluding GST).”

"Under the personal hardship provisions, people affected by flooding in these local government areas can apply for grants of up to $160 per person and $740 per family for essentials such as food, dry clothes and accommodation."

Last week, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier Bligh announced that grants for registered small and home-based businesses, including farmers, of up to $10,000 or up to $25,000 depending on the extent or cost of losses.

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.

To apply for concessional loans, producers and small businesses should contact QRAA (Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority) on 1800 623 946.

To apply for freight subsidies, producers should contact the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or their local DPI&F inspector.

28 January 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350