Disaster assistance for Gold Coast and Scenic Rim

Disaster assistance is now available in the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim local government areas after a severe storm caused floods and landslides in the south-east in September.

Assistance to repair roads and other infrastructure is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator the Hon Murray Watt said the activation of this assistance provides financial support for clean-up operations and the repair of essential public assets.

“A number of storm cells hit the southern coast and Gold Coast hinterland in late September with over 250mm of rain falling in three hours,” Minister Watt said.

“The event impacted local and state roads significantly, resulting in road closures and short-term isolation to areas across the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim.

“This assistance enables local governments as well as Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads to get on with the job of cleaning up and repairing damaged public assets,” he said.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the severe storm was a reminder to all Queenslanders that severe weather can strike at any time.

“The spring storms fired up between 22 and 23 September and the intense rain caused overland flows, saturated pavements and landslides which damaged the local rural road network,” Minister Ryan said.

“With a third La Nina in a row upon us, we know from recent experience the damage Mother Nature can cause and we need to be as prepared as we can.

“The Australian and Queensland governments will continue to support all communities impacted by natural disasters and identify where further assistance is required,” he said.

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

Media contacts:

Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772

Minister Ryan: 3035 8300