Joint release
The Hon Michael Keenan MP Minister for Justice
The Hon Jack Dempsey MLA Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
12 May 2014
Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Queensland Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey today announced that local councils affected by Tropical Cyclone Gillian in March, and by flooding in February, will receive disaster assistance.
The assistance is being provided under the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
"Through the NDRRA, the Commonwealth is providing funding to assist states and local councils to undertake counter disaster operations, clean-up activities and the restoration of damaged community infrastructure," Mr Keenan said.
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council and Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council will receive financial support for the restoration or replacement of essential public assets damaged by Tropical Cyclone Gillian in March.
Diamantina Shire Council will receive financial support for the restoration of infrastructure damaged by heavy rainfall and flooding which occurred across central and western Queensland in February.
"Cyclones and flooding events such as these can place a significant financial burden on local councils," Mr Dempsey said.
"It is clear that these events have taken a toll on local infrastructure and essential public assets in these areas.
"This assistance will ensure that affected communities have support to help them clean-up and rebuild," Mr Dempsey said.
Further information on natural disaster recovery assistance can be found at www.disaster.qld.gov.au or at www.disasterassist.gov.au.