Published Wednesday, 14 January, 2009 at 11:34 AM

Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser

Disaster Relief activated for Townsville

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) have been activated for the Townsville Regional Council area, after heavy rain and flash-flooding caused damage in the region over the past two days.

Up to 334 mm fell in the region overnight, with Paluma one of the worst affected areas. There was also minor flooding of the Bohle and Lower Herbert rivers, damage to the Strand and significant erosion.

Treasurer and Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser saidmonsoonal rain and king tides have kept emergency crews busy.

“In Townsville and Thuringowa, the State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 26 calls yesterday, to tarp roofs and clear debris,” Mr Fraser said.

“Authorities are now focused on the clean-up. I commend local emergency services staff and SES volunteers on their efforts so far.”

Under the joint commonwealth and federally funded NDRRA activation, individuals can apply for a number of different personal hardship grants, which include $165 per person and up to $765 per family for directly impacted residents who have been unable to recover via their own means.

Mean-tested Essential Household Contents Grants are also be available for some residents.

This can be up to $1,635 for an individual applicant, or $4,910 for a couple or family.

Mean-tested Repairs and Replacement of Dwellings assistance may also be available of up to $10,100 for eligible individuals and up to $13,600 for eligible couples or families.

“I know it’s been heartbreaking for many Queenslanders to see the damage, but I urge them to contact the Department of Communities if they need assistance.”

Mr Fraser said current damage estimates sit at $32.6 million, but with water still high in some areas true damage assessments are yet to be finalised.

Townsville Regional Council is the 19th local government area are now eligible for NDRRA. The others are: Barcoo, Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Diamantina, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond, Winton, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Croydon, Tablelands and Hinchinbrook.

“Over 580,000 square kilometres, or an area twice the size of Victoria, is now eligible for disaster relief assistance.”

Media Contact:

Treasurer’s Office – 3224 6361