Disaster assistance for flooded communities in South-West Queensland

Disaster assistance is now available to six local councils in south-west Queensland to repair roads and other infrastructure following extreme flooding in the region.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in the Balonne, Blackall-Tambo, Maranoa, Murweh, Paroo and Quilpie local government areas.

Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said this assistance will provide financial support for counter disaster operations and restoration of essential public assets.

“While the rain has been welcomed, widespread flooding in south-west Queensland isolated communities, displaced residents, closed roads and damaged essential public assets,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The joint Commonwealth and State funded DRFA will pick up the bill for road and infrastructure repairs and clean-up costs, so these communities can get back on their feet sooner.”

Queensland’s Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said although he also welcomed the rain in drought-affected regions, the destruction brought by flooding was still a burden for the regions.

“This heavy and persistent rainfall has caused widespread flooding, with damage to public infrastructure and road closures across wide areas of south-western Queensland,” Mr Crawford said.

“This funding will assist with restoring damaged public infrastructure to alleviate the financial strain on these impacted communities.

“As our disaster season continues to throw everything at us from bushfires to floods, it’s important to know that all impacted areas are being supported with recovery assistance.

“As the impacts of this latest rainfall and flooding event continue to unfold, the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments will work together to ensure all impacted communities receive the recovery support they need,” Mr Crawford said.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.

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