Help for Communities Impacted by Ita

North Queenslanders preparing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Ita have been assured that the Australian and Queensland Governments will provide assistance to individuals and communities to help them prepare for, respond to and recover from this event.

Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Queensland Minister for Police, Fire and emergency Services Jack Dempsey today announced emergency assistance has been made available in the local government areas of Cairns, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba and Wujal Wujal.

“The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have moved swiftly to make emergency assistance available under the jointly-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements,” Mr Keenan said.

Assistance has been made available to local councils in six local government areas to assist with counter disaster operations and restoration of essential public assets.

“People in these communities are working against the clock to sandbag and construct temporary flood levees to protect their properties,” Mr Dempsey said.

“Volunteers and emergency workers are also transporting equipment and materials to assist preparations."

Assistance is available for individuals and families in Laura and Cooktown in Cook Shire, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire and Wujai Wujai Aboriginal Shire.

“If our worst fears are realised, affected individuals will be able to access personal hardship and distress payments. These payments will provide help with immediate emergency needs such as food, clothing and accommodation, removal of debris, repairs, rebuilding and replacement of essential household contents,” Mr Keenan said.

“As Tropical Cyclone Ita continues on its path further communities may be affected.  I urge all Queenslanders to heed the messages being issued by authorities and to remain calm,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments will continue to work together to ensure disaster affected communities receive the support and assistance they need to recover quickly from this disaster event,” Mr Keenan said.

Information on disaster assistance for local government areas can be located on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au or the Queensland Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.

[ENDS] 12 April 2014

Media contact: Hannah Weir (Minister Keenan) 0458 167 600      Andrew Blow (Minister Dempsey) 0408 912 821