Western Queensland councils impacted by recent heavy rains and flooding will receive funding for their response activities and ongoing recovery.
Activated through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the support is available to the councils of Balonne, Barcoo, Bulloo, Flinders, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Murweh and Richmond.
Assistance is available to help Councils and State authorities with counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
This includes efforts to assist and protect the community immediately before, during or after the disaster, as well as costs associated with the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other critical public infrastructure.
Throughout April, major flood levels were recorded in multiple river systems across the region, including the Balonne, Warrego and Weir Rivers.
The significant flooding resulted in extensive damage to local road networks, and a number of communities were also cut off temporarily.
As stated by Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
"Under our longstanding joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the Albanese and Miles Governments are making sure these remote communities can recover as quickly as possible," Minister Watt said.
"These funds will allow Councils to recuperate the costs that come from protecting their residents, and to carry out all necessary repairs to their roads and other eligible assets."
"Queenslanders can have confidence that they are supported in the very toughest of times."
As stated by Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd:
"This support comes at a crucial time for these councils, a number of which were also impacted by severe storms and flooding late last year, such as Balonne, Bulloo and Maranoa," Ms Boyd said.
"We want our local governments to be able to focus on their community recovery without worrying where the funds will be coming from. That's taken care of through the DRFA.
"The Queensland Reconstruction Authority is continuing to work with councils affected by extreme weather emergencies in 2023-24 to keep communities on their feet."
