STATE GOVERNMENT ORGANISES EXTRA DELIVERY OF ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES TO FNQ
Published Friday, 06 February, 2009 at 06:34 PM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
Emergency Management Queensland has organised for an extra 50 tonnes of supplies to be flown into Cairns tomorrow – of which 15 tonnes are essential supplies – to ensure the region is well-stocked during the ongoing flood, Emergency Services Minister Neil Robert announced late this afternoon.
“There are currently around 20 trucks stuck in Home Hill laden with supplies that have not been able to get to Townsville and further north because of the closure of the Bruce Highway,” Mr Roberts said.
“Emergency Management Queensland has arranged for a QANTAS 747 freighter to instead fly supplies in from Brisbane.
“It is expected that the flight will take place tomorrownight and will include supplies like bread, milk, canned food including spaghetti, baked beans and meats, and batteries.”
Mr Roberts said his department was also working with supermarket chains to identify any further airlift requirements in the coming days and weeks.
“This delivery is on top of the essential supplies which arrived in Cairns today by barge from Townsville, which was the equivalent of 40 semi trailers of stock,” he said.
“I have instructed my department to keep a watching brief on this issue and to work with local government authorities and retailers to ensure supplies are secure until flood waters recede enough to allow the highway to be re-opened.”
Meantime, Mr Roberts this afternoon announced a revision in the estimated damage bill for the flooding in north and north west Queensland, as well as the declaration of yet another local government area under disaster relief and recovery arrangements.
He said the estimate damage bill was now around $187 million, but he reiterated his earlier comments that the bill could rise substantially once flood waters receded and the true extent of damage could be determined.
The declaration of the Palm Island Aboriginal Council takes the total number of local government areas disaster declared to 36.
“This declaration means that Palm Island residents who have suffered personal hardship as a result of recent weather events will be able to apply for assistance under the joint State-Federal Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery arrangements,” Mr 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.
“There are also means-tested grants and assistance available which residents should enquire about.”
The telephone number for enquiries is 1800 173 349.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204
“There are currently around 20 trucks stuck in Home Hill laden with supplies that have not been able to get to Townsville and further north because of the closure of the Bruce Highway,” Mr Roberts said.
“Emergency Management Queensland has arranged for a QANTAS 747 freighter to instead fly supplies in from Brisbane.
“It is expected that the flight will take place tomorrow
Mr Roberts said his department was also working with supermarket chains to identify any further airlift requirements in the coming days and weeks.
“This delivery is on top of the essential supplies which arrived in Cairns today by barge from Townsville, which was the equivalent of 40 semi trailers of stock,” he said.
“I have instructed my department to keep a watching brief on this issue and to work with local government authorities and retailers to ensure supplies are secure until flood waters recede enough to allow the highway to be re-opened.”
Meantime, Mr Roberts this afternoon announced a revision in the estimated damage bill for the flooding in north and north west Queensland, as well as the declaration of yet another local government area under disaster relief and recovery arrangements.
He said the estimate damage bill was now around $187 million, but he reiterated his earlier comments that the bill could rise substantially once flood waters receded and the true extent of damage could be determined.
The declaration of the Palm Island Aboriginal Council takes the total number of local government areas disaster declared to 36.
“This declaration means that Palm Island residents who have suffered personal hardship as a result of recent weather events will be able to apply for assistance under the joint State-Federal Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery arrangements,” Mr 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.
“There are also means-tested grants and assistance available which residents should enquire about.”
The telephone number for enquiries is 1800 173 349.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204