Councils’ cyclone clean-up boosted by $15 million fund

A Community Relief Fund worth $15 million will power the early recovery efforts of south-east Queensland councils in response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

With Alfred set to make landfall in less than 24 hours, SEQ councils will soon face a massive clean-up operation removing debris from streets, properties, and community assets, and restoring safety across beaches and public amenity.

The fund gives disaster hit councils access to up to $1 million and also features a contingency to ensure ongoing support can be provided as further impacts are revealed. 

Made available through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the fund will kick-start community clean-up and recovery across the south-east.

This announcement comes less than 48 hours after the first 12 SEQ councils were activated under the DRFA for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.

This includes the local governments of Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, and Sunshine Coast.

By proactively getting assistance out the door to communities in the impact zone, it’s hoped on-ground recovery efforts can move swiftly and effectively.

The Australian and Queensland Governments are positioned ready to activate all support measures required via the DRFA, just as they’ve done in recent weeks for flood ravaged north Queensland.

The Community Relief Fund provides flexibility for councils to address their unique local recovery challenges and priorities.

Councils can focus on the tasks that most benefit their residents such as waste and debris removal, property clean-up, the restoration of beaches, parks and playgrounds, and other works targeted at community safety.

Officers from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority will work in partnership with affected councils to help them best utilise the fund and other support extended.

More information on disaster recovery and DRFA assistance can be found throughout the QRA website.