DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR CYCLONE-IMPACTED COMMUNITIES IN NORTH QUEENSLAND

In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Niran, disaster assistance has been made available to assist local councils dealing with the extensive clean-up efforts required in its wake.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the DRFA assistance will provide financial support to aid recovery in Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island and Yarrabah.

"These councils have reported impacts such as downed trees and power lines, extensive debris over road networks, as well as road damage from flash flooding in an already sodden catchment," Minister Littleproud said.

“Flooded access points have also led to isolation, which has required a multi-agency response.

“The funding will provide financial support for counter disaster operations and the restoration of essential public assets, so communities can get back on their feet sooner.

“The Australian Government will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to ensure that the affected communities have all the support they need during this difficult time.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said clean-up operations were ongoing in cyclone-affected regions across the north of the state.

“More than 43,000 homes and businesses lost power when Tropical Cyclone Niran first made its presence felt off the coast of Cairns on Monday,” Minister Ryan said.

“Thanks to the hard work of our first responders and Ergon Energy, that number has been significantly reduced, but there are still some people and businesses experiencing power outages.

“The excessive wind from the cyclone has stripped trees and there is a great deal of green waste, with flooding impacting public infrastructure and causing road closures across the region.

“This DRFA funding will assist with the recovery from this latest event, the seventh disaster to hit Queensland this season, and alleviate the financial burden on these impacted councils.

“The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments are working together to ensure all impacted communities receive the recovery support they need.”

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

Minister Littleproud: Douglas Ferguson, 0455 448 985
Minister Ryan: Phil Willmington, 0411 535 180