DISASTER ASSISTANCE EXTENDED TO MORE FLOODED WESTERN QUEENSLAND COUNCILS

Disaster assistance has been extended to the Local Government Areas of Burke, Flinders, McKinlay and Paroo as the impacts from the ongoing floods in Western Queensland continue to be realised.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is now available in 12 Local Government Areas in Western Queensland.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said Queensland communities would continue to be supported in their local recovery, following the flooding throughout Western Queensland in early January.

“As the impacts of these floods are understood, all levels of government are working together to ensure every available support and assistance is provided to affected communities,” Minister McKenize said.

“The floods currently affecting much of Western Queensland have caused significant damage to roads, isolated many remote towns, and we anticipate significant clean-up will be required when the floodwaters recede.

“This assistance will fund the extensive work that needs to be done to repair the essential public infrastructure throughout Western Queensland, ultimately ensuring these communities recovers more quickly.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the Western Queensland floods were in addition to the floods already affecting much of the state this disaster season.

“Queenslanders are a resilient lot but it’s essential we provide support and assistance as quickly as we possibly can,” Minister Ryan said.

“As the waters go down in the West, the true widespread impact of this severe weather system will emerge.

“The floods have damaged essential public assets, such as roads and bridges, and there will be a great deal of clean up and repair work to deal with the effects of the floods.

"This funding will help alleviate the cost of counter disaster operations including sand-bagging and debris clearing and the repair of essential public assets such as roads.

“The Australian and Queensland governments will continue to work together to support the long-term recovery of all communities impacted by the Western Queensland floods.”

DRFA assistance is now available in 12 Local Government Areas in Western Queensland in response to the floods: Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Burke, Cloncurry, Diamantina, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the National Recovery and Resilience Agency website at www.recovery.gov.au and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.  

Media contacts:

Minister McKenzie: David Edghill 0477 417 516

Minister Ryan: Phil Willmington 0411 535 180