DISASTER ASSISTANCE EXTENDED FOLLOWING NORTHERN AND CENTRAL-WESTERN QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Disaster assistance has been extended to four additional Local Government Areas of Cloncurry, Douglas, Hope Vale and McKinlay following the intense rainfall which resulted in far reaching flooding throughout Northern and Central-Western Queensland last month.

The assistance is made possible through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) which will assist to cover clean up and repair costs of infrastructure, including damaged roads affected during the event between 21 and 28 April.

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Bridget McKenzie said that the assistance will help the impacted communities to recover and move on from the extreme weather event.

“The flooding caused by the weather event in late April damaged public infrastructure and caused disruption to the local communities.”

“We know that recovery takes time, and the DRFA assistance will assist communities with the costs of the clean-up and repairs of essential road networks, to help keep people safe and connected.”

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said 14 Local Government Areas had now been activated for DRFA assistance in response to the rainfall and flooding of late April.

“The activation of the DRFA will see councils reimbursed for clean-up activities and reconstruction costs so they can get on with the job knowing they will be reimbursed for their eligible activities,” he said.

“The persistent rain and flooding resulted the damage of and closure of roads while the inundation of access roads had left some communities isolated.

“It’s been a big disaster season in Queensland and this is the eighth disaster to be activated for DRFA assistance in 2021-22.

“The Australian and Queensland governments will continue to work with all communities across the board to provide all available support to assist with recovery.”

DRFA assistance has already been activated for the following Local Government Areas: Barcaldine Regional Council, Barcoo Regional Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Boulia Shire Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Cloncurry Shire Council, Cook Shire Council, Douglas Shire Council, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council, Longreach Regional Council, McKinlay Shire Council, Mornington Shire Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and Winton Shire Council.

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's office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300