Joint media release with the Hon Ann Leahy MP
- Disaster assistance has been activated for twelve south-east Queensland councils as the region positions for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
- Funding will support counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
- Assistance is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Disaster assistance has been activated for 12 south-east Queensland councils as communities prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred to make landfall.
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will cover counter disaster operation expenses incurred, emergency repairs, and the reconstruction of essential public assets across 12 SEQ councils.
This includes the local government areas of Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, and Sunshine Coast.
The activation supports counter disaster operations including sandbagging, evacuations and debris removal as well as emergency road repairs.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said local governments play a critical role in preparation and clean up during disasters.
'Local infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities connected and safe. This assistance will support councils to prepare for TC Alfred including sandbagging operations and evacuations if required,' Minister McAllister said.
'We are working closely with the Crisafulli Government and local councils as we prepare and respond to this event.
'Our message to community is clear. Know your local risk, have a plan and prepare your home now.'
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said community safety was the government's top priority.
'We're prepared for Cyclone Alfred and we're asking Queenslanders to do the same,' Minister Leahy said.
'There will be no daylight between the event and our recovery. We have resources on the ground, ready to go, as soon as Cyclone Alfred passes.
'We are working in partnership with councils to prepare and this funding will greatly assist them with their preparations for their communities.'
Guidance on getting ready for cyclones is available at Get Ready Queensland.
For more information on DRFA assistance visit Disaster Assist or Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
