DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOLLOWING NORTHERN AND CENTRAL-WESTERN QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Disaster assistance is now available in ten Local Government Areas after intense rainfall resulted in widespread flooding throughout much of Northern and Central-Western Queensland in April.

The assistance, provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), covers clean up and repair of roads and other public infrastructure damaged by the severe rain and wind event from 21 to 28 April.

DRFA relief measures have been activated for: Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Regional Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Boulia Shire Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Longreach Regional Council, Mornington Shire Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and Winton Shire Council.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said that heavy rainfall caused flooding which damaged essential public infrastructure across Northern and Central-Western Queensland.

“The activation of the DRFA for the ten impacted Councils will ensure damaged public infrastructure can be restored so that residents can get back to normal as soon as possible,” Minister McKenzie said.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the activation of the DRFA will ensure these councils have the support they need to recover from the recent floods.

“The activation of the DRFA will ensure councils will be reimbursed for clean-up activities and reconstruction costs in the long-term,” he said.

“This heavy downpour comes as Queensland deals with the aftermath from multiple weather events since November last year.

“Winton recorded its wettest day on Anzac Day this year, with 91.6mm at the airport.

“Roads to tourist meccas such as Winton’s world famous Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum were cut as the usually arid region quickly transformed into great lakes with raging waterfalls.

“We want to ensure every local government area is catered for as wild weather leaves roads and other essential public infrastructure smashed.

“The Australian and Queensland governments continue working 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 0447 417 516

Minister Ryan: Phil Willmington 0411 535 180 3