Three Councils in regional and remote Queensland can now access disaster assistance in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Esther.
Assistance is being provided through the Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in Bullo and Diamantina Shire Councils in the State’s south-west, and Mornington Shire Council in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Craig Crawford welcomed the funding saying it would assist the Councils restore damaged public infrastructure and alleviate the financial burden of counter-disaster operations such as debris clearing.
“While the widespread rain is welcome for many in some of these drought-declared Shires, the destruction that comes with cyclones and flooding is a headache no one needs in these trying times,” Mr Crawford said.
“It’s important the impacted Councils know that the Commonwealth and State Governments are there to support their clean-up efforts and ensure a smooth recovery from the floods associated with Tropical Cyclone Esther,” he said.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, David Littleproud said the Commonwealth’s assistance would provide financial support for clean-up and recovery efforts in these flood-affected areas.
“Tropical Cyclone Esther made landfall close to Mornington Island on 24 February bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The cyclone continued to track southward cutting roads and isolating residents in South West Queensland including Bullo and Diamantina Shires, and the Northern Territory.”
He said the assistance would ensure the flood and cyclone-affected communities got back on their feet sooner.
