Further flood aid for northern Queensland communities
Disaster recovery funding has been expanded to support more impacted communities across the state's north in response to the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
The local government areas of Banana, Gladstone, Hope Vale, Napranum, Torres, and Wujal Wujal can now access assistance for urgent response activities and long-term recovery efforts, supporting clean-up and reconstruction works.
Low interest disaster assistance loans up to $250,000 and freight subsidies up to $5,000 are now available to impacted primary producers in Burdekin, Isaac, Mackay and Whitsunday.
Personal Hardship Assistance has also been activated for targeted localities in the Livingstone and Mackay LGAs, including Canal Creek and Stanage (Livingstone), and Finch Hatton, Gargett, Netherdale and Pinnacle (Mackay).
There are now 45 council areas activated for support through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) as a result of prolonged severe weather and flooding over the past month.
This crucial financial assistance will help communities rebuild, keep producers operational, and support impacted Queenslanders as they begin the road to recovery.
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) is coordinating with local governments to respond to evolving recovery needs and distribute required funds quickly.
The Australian and Queensland Governments are committed to helping every affected community recover in full.
For details on accessing disaster loans, primary producers are encouraged to visit the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority website at www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
Freight subsidy information is available on the Department of Primary Industries website: www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
Applications for Personal Hardship Assistance can be made via www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
The new disaster website from the Queensland Government is a one-stop site for Queenslanders looking for the latest information during severe weather events.