An emergency planning declaration to support the supply of food, medicines and essential supplies has been declared by Queensland’s Deputy Premier, along with an extension to some development assessment processes for 11 Local Government Areas.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said this declaration is necessary to ensure essential businesses can restock supplies 24-hours a day.
“Getting food and essential supplies to impacted communities is a top priority for the Crisafulli Government,” Mr Bleijie said.
“I’ve briefed the Queensland Disaster Management Committee of this emergency planning declaration.
“The declaration means specific businesses can re-supply around the clock to deliver vital goods and services to Queenslanders, as part of recovery efforts.
“I am enacting an Applicable Event across the 11 affected Local Government Areas, to ensure food supply deliveries can occur at any time instead of only within the standard curfew.
“I am personally working directly with Mayors to ensure we can continue to respond to local needs.”
The enactment of the Applicable Event also supports ongoing recovery efforts, providing an option for businesses to apply for a Temporary Use Licence.
These licences recognise that businesses may need to innovate or change how they operate in unprecedented circumstances.
Recognising that staffing levels may affect the ability for state and Local Government employees to meet statutory timeframes, the Planning Minister has also declared an extension to some development assessment processes.
The Applicable Event will remain in place until 30 April 2025 unless revoked prior or extended.
The 11 Local Government Areas are:
- Burdekin Shire Council
- Cairns Regional Council
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council
- Charters Towers Regional Council
- Etheridge Shire Council
- Hinchinbrook Shire Council
- Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
- Tablelands Regional Council
- Townsville City Council
- Whitsundays Regional Council
- Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
Details are available on the Queensland Government website.
