Disaster support for more Queensland communities following ex-TC Kirrily

Disaster support for more Queensland communities following ex-TC Kirrily

Another 11 Queensland councils can now access disaster support after ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily caused heavy rain and flooding across large parts of Queensland.

Councils can access jointly funded Commonwealth-State assistance to help with the costs of counter disaster operations such as sandbagging and debris removal, and the reconstruction of essential public assets like roads and bridges.

Barcoo, Boulia, Burke, Croydon, Diamantina, Etheridge, Flinders, Ipswich, Mornington, and South Burnett Councils will receive funds for both activities, while Longreach Council has requested support for their reconstruction efforts only.

This assistance is being provided through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with 23 local governments now activated in response to ex-TC Kirrily.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily brought large amounts of rain across large parts of the state, and caused flooding in north, west and south Queensland.

“It was great to get out on the ground in some of the impacted areas last week and understand first-hand how Councils are going.

“This funding will provide security and confidence to them to keep pushing ahead with their recovery efforts, including undertaking emergency repairs to transport networks.”

Quotes attributable to minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:

“As our state continues to battle multiple severe weather events, the Queensland and Australian Governments stand shoulder to shoulder with Queenslanders,” Ms Boyd said.

“Local councils are doing a remarkable job keeping their communities safe, and through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority we’ll keep supporting them during this tough stretch.”

Additional information:

LGAs currently activated through the DRFA in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily: Barcoo, Boulia, Burdekin, Burke, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Croydon, Diamantina, Etheridge, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Longreach, McKinlay, Moreton Bay, Mornington, Palm Island, Richmond, South Burnett, Townsville, Western Downs, Winton.

Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets

• Reimbursement for the reconstruction of eligible public assets, damaged as a direct result of a disaster. This includes emergency repairs and immediate, permanent rebuild to pre-disaster function.

Counter Disaster Operations

• To help councils and state agencies with activities that alleviate personal hardship and distress, address urgent community needs, and protect residents immediately prior to, during, or in the aftermath of a disaster.

To learn more about DRFA support, including a summary of assistance activated in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, head to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.

ENDS

Media contacts:
Minister Watt: Tali Eley 0499 770 772
Minister Boyd: Ben Wilmott 0456 854 506