DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR CAPE YORK RAINFALL EVENT

Disaster assistance is now available to Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Torres Shire Council and Torres Strait Island Regional Council following severe storms and rainfall in February.

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

DRFA assistance is available to the three councils to cover the costs of clean up and repair of  roads and other public infrastructure damaged by the Cape York tropical low and rainfall event from 22 to 28 February.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said that heavy rainfall over a short period of time caused flooding which resulted in damage to critical infrastructure, including road networks.

“We want the affected local communities to get back on their feet as soon as possible, and the activation of the DRFA will assist the Councils with the costs of the clean-up and repair of the critical infrastructure that was damaged during the extreme weather event.”

Acting Queensland’s Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Furner, said the activation of the DRFA will ensure the councils have the support they need to recover from the impacts of the February event.

“The activation of the DRFA will ensure councils will be reimbursed for clean-up activities and reconstruction costs following prolonged rain and thunderstorms over Cape York and the Torres Strait.

“Northern Peninsula Area, Torres Shire and Torres Strait Island councils have reported significant damage to road and critical infrastructure following this event.

“It has been a big disaster season in Queensland with this the seventh disaster event to be activated for DRFA assistance in 2021-22.

“The Australian and Queensland Governments continue to work closely to support ongoing recovery efforts and identify where further assistance can be provided to ensure all of those affected have the best possible support.”

Information on disaster assistance can be found on 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