As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the Queensland coast, $15 million in emergency assistance has been made available to south east councils in the impact zone.
The Community Relief Fund, jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland Governments will provide councils up to $1 million to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities.
Councils can use this funding for waste and debris removal from streets, properties, and community assets, and activities to restore public assets.
The support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Community Relief Fund was essential to kickstart clean-up and recovery in the south east.
“In the wake of such devastation, it’s crucial affected communities know we have their back,” Mr Albanese said.
“Early focus on clean-up is the first step to returning life to an even keel.”
Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli said recovery planning was well advanced to unlock immediate support for South East Queenslanders, as soon as it was required.
“Delivering this support now means no delay and no time between response and recovery,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“Just as work continues in the north and far north, we’ll walk side by side with local governments during the next phase of recovery.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said the funding gave local councils confidence to roll out the response needed.
“This funding will boost recovery across the region,” Minister McAllister said.
“It’s a critical injection that will allow councils to dedicate resources to urgent clean-up tasks like tree and debris removal, and will ensure work keeps progressing.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy said the Community Relief Fund provided flexibility for councils to address unique local recovery challenges and priorities.
“Disaster impacts vary from community to community, but the Crisfaulli Government’s commitment to helping Queenslanders through recovery remains the same,” Minister Leahy said.
“This fund allows councils to focus on tasks of most benefit to their residents, with officers from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority positioned ready to assist all affected SEQ councils with their recovery efforts.”
Visit www.qra.qld.gov.au for more information.
