Published Friday, 22 February, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Rudd matches Bligh as Premier’s Flood Appeal hits $1.5 million
Mackay: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has committed $500,000 to the Premier of Queensland’s 2008 Flood Relief Appeal making its total now $1.5 million.
Premier Anna Bligh, who was with the Prime Minister inspecting flood damage in Mackay this afternoon, said that the PM’s commitment was most welcome.
It was the Premier’s second visit to Mackay in six days.
"There are hundreds of homes with literally millions of dollars damage up here. That said, it is clear that the people of Queensland are pulling together to support the community of Mackay and the State’s other flooded regions.
"Last Saturday in Mackay I approved a further $400,000 to our initial $100,000 for the Appeal and am delighted that the PM has matched us,” she said.
The Premier and Prime Minister were escorted on today’s inspection by local MP Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin.
Meanwhile the Premier and Mr Rudd announced that although the standard Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements applied they believed special arrangements are warranted to assist small businesses and primary producers to fix the damage and get back on their feet.
“That is why Premier Bligh and I have today agreed to grants for small businesses and farmers of up to $10,000 or up to $25,000 in exceptional circumstances depending on the extent or cost of losses,” said the Prime Minister.
“This money will help local businesses and farmers that have experienced severe damage from the floods with activities such as restocking, replanting and cleanup,” he said.
Members of the public can make donations to the Appeal through any branch of the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ or National Australia Bank.
“Ensuring that the money reaches those most in need the Red Cross is distributing the funds on the Government’s behalf. Further information is available from the Red Cross on 1800 733 111.
Applications for support will be assessed by local assessment teams and approved by a Distribution Committee (comprising representatives from the Red Cross and other community service organizations).
“No donation is too small. A lot of regional Queenslanders are doing it tough and we as a community can help get them back on their feet,” she said.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh, who was with the Prime Minister inspecting flood damage in Mackay this afternoon, said that the PM’s commitment was most welcome.
It was the Premier’s second visit to Mackay in six days.
"There are hundreds of homes with literally millions of dollars damage up here. That said, it is clear that the people of Queensland are pulling together to support the community of Mackay and the State’s other flooded regions.
"Last Saturday in Mackay I approved a further $400,000 to our initial $100,000 for the Appeal and am delighted that the PM has matched us,” she said.
The Premier and Prime Minister were escorted on today’s inspection by local MP Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin.
Meanwhile the Premier and Mr Rudd announced that although the standard Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements applied they believed special arrangements are warranted to assist small businesses and primary producers to fix the damage and get back on their feet.
“That is why Premier Bligh and I have today agreed to grants for small businesses and farmers of up to $10,000 or up to $25,000 in exceptional circumstances depending on the extent or cost of losses,” said the Prime Minister.
“This money will help local businesses and farmers that have experienced severe damage from the floods with activities such as restocking, replanting and cleanup,” he said.
Members of the public can make donations to the Appeal through any branch of the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ or National Australia Bank.
“Ensuring that the money reaches those most in need the Red Cross is distributing the funds on the Government’s behalf. Further information is available from the Red Cross on 1800 733 111.
Applications for support will be assessed by local assessment teams and approved by a Distribution Committee (comprising representatives from the Red Cross and other community service organizations).
“No donation is too small. A lot of regional Queenslanders are doing it tough and we as a community can help get them back on their feet,” she said.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500