Disaster assistance has been extended to the Goondiwindi Regional Council and Gold Coast City Council following severe storms in late October that have seen major flooding continue into November.
Assistance for counter disaster operations for both these councils and assistance to repair roads and other essential public infrastructure in Goondiwindi, is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the support will help with the ongoing recovery.
"The communities of Goondiwindi and the Gold Coast are still feeling the effects from last month's severe storms and heavy rainfall," Minister Watt said.
"The Macintyre River at Goondiwindi remains at a major flood level resulting in continuing road closures, and City of Gold Coast has opened sandbagging operations and is forecasting the likely continuation of severe weather.
"This assistance will allow both councils to recuperate the costs of their counter disaster efforts such as sandbagging and debris clearing, and will help Goondiwindi ensure its flood-damaged roads are repaired sooner."
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the continued support for Queenslanders remains the government's top priority.
"This assistance provides financial relief to the Goondiwindi and Gold Coast councils at a time when they are still recovering from the last intense natural disaster season in 2021-22," Minister Ryan said.
"The Australian and Queensland Governments will continue to work together to provide rapid recovery assistance to all Queenslanders, regardless of where they live."
Today's activation brings the total number of LGAs accessing DRFA assistance in response to the Southern Queensland Severe Weather, October – November 2022 event to five: Balonne Shire Council, Barcoo Shire Council, City of Gold Coast, Goondiwindi Regional Council, and Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority's website at www.qra.qld.gov.au
