DISASTER ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO MORE FLOOD-IMPACTED COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Disaster assistance has been extended to the local government areas of Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Quilpie and Southern Downs following the heavy rainfall and flash flooding that drenched Southern Queensland this week.

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

Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said communities across Southern Queensland would continue to be supported in their clean-up and reconstruction efforts following the sustained rainfall and dangerous flash flooding of the past few days.

"As the flood waters recede and councils start to assess the damage left behind, both the State and Federal governments are working to ensure financial assistance is available to communities to support their clean-up operations," Minister Littleproud said.

“This assistance will fund the work needed to repair essential public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, across the four local government areas, assisting these communities to recover as quickly as possible.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said that the rain and flooding had caused widespread disruption across Southern Queensland, cutting power and blocking access to hundreds of properties.

“We’re seeing reports of damage to floodways, as well as roads that were scoured by the fast-flowing water,” Minister Ryan said.

“Not only will this funding help rebuild those assets, it will also cover costs associated with the many SES crews that were out helping the community during the worst of the rain and flooding.

“The Commonwealth and Queensland governments will continue to stand by these communities and support them until their recovery is complete.”

DRFA assistance is now available in seven local government areas in Southern Queensland in response to this severe weather event: Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Logan City, Quilpie, Scenic Rim and Southern Downs.

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 .   

Media Contacts:

Minister Littleproud: Douglas Ferguson, 0455 448 985

Minister Ryan: Phil Willmington, 0411 535 180