COMMONWEALTH ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD AFFECTED QUEENSLAND COMMUNITIES

28 January 2010

Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, today announced that the Commonwealth Government will provide financial assistance to North Queensland communities impacted by recent heavy rain and flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclones Olga and Neville.

Funding will include assistance for the restoration of essential public infrastructure as well as costs associated with counter disaster operations. 

Commonwealth assistance is being provided to the Queensland Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) and will be available in 14 affected local government areas, including:

• Aurukun Shire Council
• Cairns Regional Council
• Cassowary Coast Regional Council
• Cook Shire Council
• Croydon Shire Council
• Etheridge Shire Council
• Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council
• Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
• Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council
• Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council
• Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council
• Tablelands Regional Council
• Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
• Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

Residents requiring assistance with storm, flood and cyclone damage should contact the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

The Commonwealth, through Emergency Management Australia (EMA), will continue to work closely with Queensland authorities to ensure that affected communities have all the support they need.

Media Contact: Adam Siddique 0407 473 630