Further disaster assistance for Northern Queensland communities of Croydon, Etheridge, Hinchinbrook and McKinlay

As the ongoing flood emergency continues in North Queensland, disaster assistance has been extended to the communities of Croydon, Etheridge, Hinchinbrook and McKinlay.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is in addition to the assistance already activated for the region.

Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the Commonwealth and Queensland governments were actively monitoring the flood situation in order to provide assistance as needed.

“The monsoon trough in North Queensland continues to produce record rainfall and subsequent flooding and we remain committed to providing assistance to impacted communities,” Assistant Minister Reynolds said.

“Through the DRFA, assistance is now available to Croydon, Etheridge, Hinchinbrook and McKinlay council to help alleviate operational costs and assist with the cost of clean-up and repairs.

“In addition, personal hardship assistance payments and essential services reconnection grants are now available across the entire Palm Island Aboriginal Shire and in certain areas within Charters Towers Regional Council.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said assistance would continue to be made available to the communities and sectors that need it the most.

“This is a flood of record-breaking proportions and communities in Queensland are facing devastating consequences,” Minister Crawford said.

“This assistance will ensure that these additional communities receive the assistance they need to recover.

“We urge everyone in North Queensland to listen to authorities, listen to the warnings, plan ahead and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of your family.”

A range of DRFA assistance is now available in 16 local council areas in northern Queensland:Burdekin, Cairns, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Cook, Croydon, Douglas, Etheridge, Hinchinbrook, Hope Vale, McKinlay, Palm Island, Richmond, Townsville, Whitsunday and Wujal Wujal.

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

Media contacts:
Nicky Hamer 0437 989 927 (Assistant Minister Reynolds)
Kerryn Manifold 0428 510 973 (Minister Crawford)