DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR HOPE VALE FOLLOWING CYCLONE TIFFANY

Disaster assistance has been extended to Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council to assist restoring damaged public infrastructure after it was affected by Tropical Cyclone Tiffany last month.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is already available in the Cook and Douglas Shire Councils.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the assistance provides support for clean-up operations and the restoration of essential public assets in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany.

“We have now extended DRFA assistance to Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council so that essential repairs can be made following the damage sustained in the flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Tiffany. 

“The Australian and Queensland governments continue to work together so these communities receive the support they need to get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Minister McKenzie said.

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said remote councils need to be supported and today’s announcement will assist to restore damaged public infrastructure and do just that.

“Tiffany struck fast and left fast, inflicting damage on these local council areas,” Minister Ryan said.

“It is vital townships such as Hope Vale know they are not alone and are given assistance to clean-up and recover.

“As the realisation of the impact sets in following this severe weather event, the Australian and Queensland Governments will continue to ensure all impacted communities receive the recovery support they need.”

A range of DRFA assistance is now available in three local council areas in the Far North which consist of the Cook and Douglas Shire Councils and now Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council.

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

Media contact:
Minister McKenzie: David Edghill 0477 417 516
Minister Ryan: Phil Willmington 0411 535 180