Joint Release on Disaster Assistance for Communities in North West Queensland

Disaster assistance has been made available for the local government areas of Barcaldine, Cloncurry, Flinders, Longreach, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond and Winton, which were affected by flooding in late February and early March 2018. 

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security Angus Taylor, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said that funding is being made available through the NDRRA to support response operations and repair flood damaged assets, including local roads.

“Flood waters have affected communities across the region, with a number of townships completely cut off by floodwaters,” Mr Taylor said.

“Many councils in this area have reported damage to road infrastructure, with roads needing to be closed to ensure community safety.”

“This significant rainfall and flooding has caused disruption to mining and pastoral operations around Cloncurry. There have been impacts to the rail network with assessments and repairs required to ensure passenger and cargo safety,” Mr Taylor said.

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford, who inspected damage in the state’s north west today, said this assistance demonstrated the commitment of the Commonwealth and Queensland governments to act quickly and ensure local governments get the assistance they need to recover.

“Communities in Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton have been isolated by floodwaters and road closures, which has had a flow-on effect to the community,” Mr Crawford said.

“I've inspected damage in these communities, and met with several Mayors to discuss how we can continue working together to help get these areas back on their feet, and back to normality as soon as possible.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and will extend assistance under the NDRRA to other affected communities as required.”

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster management website at disaster.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media Contacts: 

Alicja Rudz 0481 907 178 (Minister Taylor)

Neil Doorley 0412 393 909 (Minister Crawford)