North Queensland flood recovery gets $8 million injection

An $8 million funding kick-start from the Australian and Queensland Governments will boost the clean-up and early recovery efforts of communities impacted by north Queensland’s flood emergency.

Assistance has been extended to the councils of Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Whitsunday and Yarrabah as part of a newly announced Community Relief Fund, activated under joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Up to $1 million for each council will fund immediate and essential recovery activities.

This includes waste and debris removal, the clean up of properties, community facilities, playgrounds and parks, and other works targeted at community safety.

Widespread flooding caused by an extreme tropical low has drenched large areas of north Queensland stretching from Cairns to Whitsundays.

Council resources in all areas have been heavily strained as they deal with the mess of mud, debris and waste on roads, buildings and community facilities.

Assistance through the Community Relief Fund builds on a range of previously announced support measures for impacted councils. 

This includes funding for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets in Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville, Whitsunday, and Yarrabah.

Assistance is also being provided to eligible impacted residents, businesses and community groups in the disaster zone.

Concessional disaster loans are available for eligible primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits in the Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah LGAs.

Personal Hardship Assistance is currently activated for eligible flood affected residents in targeted areas of Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Gordonvale and Townsville, and the LGAs of Hinchinbrook and Palm Island.

The Australian Government has also announced its Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance for a number of areas, providing financial aid, including income cover, for eligible residents.

Further details on disaster assistance can be found via the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website and the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website.