As South East Queensland's current heavy rain and flash flooding emergency continues to unfold, disaster assistance has been activated to assist councils with the clean-up costs in the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim and Redlands regions.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the activation of DRFA in these regions will provide financial support for Redlands City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, City of Gold Coast Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council to carry out post-disaster operations.
"The assistance will enable these councils to restore essential public assets damaged by the event to help the community get back on its feet quicker," Minister Littleproud said.
"The assistance available ensures the reimbursement of huge costs associated with operations that are aimed at protecting the general public and ensuring public health and safety.
"The Australian and Queensland governments continue to work closely to support ongoing recovery efforts and identify where further assistance can be provided to ensure all impacted communities have the best possible support."
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the assistance is also available to the Department of Transport and Main Roads to repair and restore roads and bridges impacted by this event, such as the section of Tamborine Mountain Road between Mt Tamborine and Canungra (known locally as The Goat Track), impacted by a major rock fall.
"This heavy rain reminds us of the unpredictable nature of severe weather in Queensland that can strike anywhere at any time and we need to be prepared," Minister Ryan said.
"More than 750mm of rain was recorded in some areas of South East Queensland over a 48-hour period.
"The impacts from this wild weather are similar to a Category 1 cyclone and has seen a number of landslips and fallen trees in affected areas.
"The activation of the DRFA will ensure all impacted communities have the support they need to assist with their recovery in the days and weeks ahead," he said.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government's Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
