Mackay is one of five local government areas (LGAs) that disaster assistance has been made available to, following recent flooding activity.
This assistance is available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for counter disaster operations and to repair roads and other essential public infrastructure.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the additions, also including Barcoo, Burdekin, Whitsunday and Winton LGAs, bring the number of councils receiving assistance under DRFA to 19, as a result of the widespread flooding last week.
“In one 24-hour period, between 100 and 200 millimetres of rain fell between Mackay and Ayr,” he said.
“Eungella also copped over 300 millimetres of rain over another 24-hour period.
“This amount of rainfall has seen several road closures due to flooding, including parts of the Bruce Highway, and the substantial land-slip leading to the isolation of Eungella.
“At times like this all levels of government need to work quickly to get support to communities to begin cleaning up and restoring critical infrastructure.”
Acting Minister for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Mark Furner said this disaster assistance for impacted local governments means they can focus on the immediate welfare and protection of their local communities.
“This assistance means that local governments can deal with the immediate impact of current flooding, knowing damage to assets such as roads and dams will be repaired once the immediate threat has passed,” Minister Furner said.
“Our priority is the safety of Queenslanders, but the government is also committed to helping local authorities restore damaged public infrastructure.”
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.
Image: The Eungella Range road was badly damaged due to flood water and slips during the rain event last month. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
