More Disaster Relief Activated in North Qld

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) have been activated for Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Croydon, Tablelands and Hinchinbrook local government areas after monsoonal conditions caused flash flooding in north and far north Queensland overnight.

Heavy rains, including falls of up to 376mm in Hawkens Creek overnight, saw emergency crews swung into action.

“Overnight in Cairns, we had 120 State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers responding to 11 calls, with jobs including tarping and 12,000 sandbags used,” Acting Premier Paul Lucas said.

“All emergency services authorities and SES personnel are doing a fantastic job.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work.

“The joint state and commonwealth funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement (NDRRA) has now been activated for the Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Croydon, Tablelands and Hinchinbrook Shire Councils areas.

“The assistance available can include personal hardship grants of $165 per person and up to $765 per family may be available for directly impacted residents who have been unable to recover via their own means,” Mr Lucas said.

“This can be accessed through the Department of Communities.”

Eighteen local Government areas are now eligible for NDRRA: Barcoo, Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Diamantina, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond, Winton, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Croydon, Tablelands and Hinchinbrook.

Current damage estimates sit at $26.1 million, but with water still high in some areas true damage assessments are yet to be finalised.

In Ingham, Ergon Energy is working to restore power by this afternoon to 4,500 homes.

Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser said Townsville emergency crews are also well prepared for any problems.

“Overnight, 48 SES members responded to 17 calls, for tarping, sandbagging, and clearing debris,” he said.

“Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has deployed eight additional swift water rescue teams to the Townsville region, which are on standby.”

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting further 200 millimetre plus rainfall; however an easing trend is becoming apparent in affected areas.

Coastal areas south of Townsville can expect further damaging winds and highs tides today.

“I urge all residents in flood affected areas to remain vigilant and listen to all weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology,” Mr Fraser said.

Media inquiries
Acting Premier: Robert Hoge - 0419 757 868
Acting Emergency Services Minister - (07) 3224 6361