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The federal and state governments have announced disaster funding as monsoonal rain and flooding continue to impact northern Queensland.
Financial, housing, and emotional support is was initially available to residents across the Burke LGA who have been impacted by recent heavy rainfall and flooding.
However, relief has been extended to include Personal Hardship Assistance for residents of Urandangi in Boulia Shire Council and loans for primary producers and small businesses in the local government areas of Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington, and Mount Isa.
Personal Hardship Assistance provides $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five to cover the costs of essential items such as medicine, food, and clothing.
Meanwhile, primary producers and small businesses can apply for loans of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged buildings, plant, equipment or livestock, and up to $100,000 for working capital to continue doing business.
Support for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets is also being extended to Cairns Regional Council and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.
The assistance is provided through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said extra assistance continued to be rolled out as needed.
“This weather event has been impacting Queensland for several months, and as conditions escalate, we’re working with the Queensland Government to ensure appropriate levels of community assistance are available,” Mr Watt said.
“We want to ensure financial assistance is going to Queenslanders who need it most, and that it’s getting there fast.
“We’ll continue working closely with the Queensland Government and announce further support measures where needed.”
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, said the period of significant rainfall has saturated many parts of northern Queensland, in some places with daily rainfall in excess of 300 mm.
“This has caused significant damage to road infrastructure, with large washouts and ground saturation triggering the closure of a number of roads,” Ms Ryan said.
“Through the DRFA we’ll support all of the impacted regions with the repair works needed on their road networks.
“We’re also providing assistance for councils’ counter disaster operations as this rainfall and flooding continues, to help them clear up debris and keep their communities safe.”
Minister for Communities and Housing, Leeanne Enoch, said vulnerable residents and those at highest risk of flood waters are being evacuated from their homes, including people in Burketown.
“Emergency Hardship Assistance grants help cover the costs of essential items, such as food, medication and clothing, for people who have been directly impacted by this disaster,” she said.
“A range of support services are also available to people in flood-impacted communities.”
The Queensland government’s Ready Reserves will also be deployed to lead community recovery efforts once the flood water subsides.
[RELATED: Qld disaster assistance extended to northern and central regions]
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