Disaster Relief now extended to 31 shires

The Queensland Government has extended disaster relief funding to another shire, after monsoonal rain lashed north west Queensland at the start of the month.

Joint state and federally funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) have been activated for Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government and Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt said the cost of the damage to the local government area is estimated at $1 million.

“Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire has suffered significant road and infrastructure damage.

“This brings the total estimated damage cost of the 31 shires to $63.5 million,” he said.

Flood warnings are current for the Diamantina, Georgina, Nicholson, Gregory, Leichardt, Cloncurry, Flinders, Norman and Gilbert rivers, and Eyre Creek.

Local government areas already eligible for NDRRA are: Aurukun, Barcoo, Barcaldine, Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Cook, Croydon, Diamantina, Doomadgee, Etheridge, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Hopevale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Northern Peninsular Area, Mapoon, Mornington, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Pormpuraaw, Richmond, Tablelands, Townsville and Winton.

“Any individual who does suffer personal hardship as a result of the storms and associated flooding, should call the Department of Communities for assistance, on 1800 173 349,” Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said.

“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,” he said.

Mean-tested Essential Household Contents Grants are also 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.

The NDRRA has been extended to provide concessional loans to small businesses for carry-on and re-establishment costs to help small business and assist their recovery.

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