Disaster Assistance Extended to Central and South West Queensland Communities Joint Release

Disaster assistance has been extended to the local government areas of Barcaldine and Maranoa, which were affected by severe weather between 20 and 21 February 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 heavy rainfall resulted in the flooding of creeks and gullies.

“Funding is being made available through the NDRRA to support response operations and repair flood damaged assets, including local roads,” Mr Taylor said.

“Several roads were closed due to flooding and fallen power lines, disrupting the normal transport routes across the shire.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said this assistance demonstrated the commitment of the Commonwealth and Queensland governments to ensure local governments get the assistance they need to recover.

“Several townships in Maranoa were impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding, with damage to road infrastructure causing roads to close in Injune, Roma, Surat, Yuleba and Mitchell,” Mr Crawford said.

“Barcaldine bore the brunt of gale force winds resulting in considerable clean-up of green waste and damage to key infrastructure. 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.

Media Contacts: 

0412 393 909 (Minister Crawford)

0481 907 178 (Minister Taylor)