Disaster assistance is now available for local Councils in regional Queensland, impacted by recent wet weather events.
Support has been activated for the first of the regions affected by monsoon activity during December and January, through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Councils can receive assistance to help repair roads and other essential public infrastructure, as well as covering the cost of counter disaster operations like evacuation centres.
So far the 14 Local Government Areas activated for assistance for this event are: Barcaldine, Boulia, Carpentaria, Cook, Croydon, Diamantina, Etheridge, Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire, Mornington, Napranum Aboriginal Shire, Northern Peninsula Area, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire and Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire.
Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Catherine King, said flood damage has been reported across the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula regions due to severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall which began in late December.
"This weather event is far-reaching and communities are experiencing substantial road closures, with some isolated by flooded and damaged roads," Minister King said.
"The Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments always work closely together to support disaster-affected communities, and this cooperation is even more important during a severe weather event, so that help can be delivered fast.
"As we continue to receive information from Councils, we will look to extend assistance to other areas if requested."
Minister for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, said protecting and supporting Queenslanders remains the government's top priority.
"This assistance will alleviate stress and go to local councils to allow them to get on with their recovery efforts.
"Local councils across the region are working closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to identify where assistance is needed, particularly to repair vital infrastructure as quickly as possible.
"All levels of government will continue to work together to support regional communities as local governments progress their requests for funding assistance."
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority's website at www.qra.qld.gov.au
