MINISTER FOR WATER RESOURCES, DROUGHT, RURAL FINANCE, NATURAL DISASTER AND EMERGENCY MANGEMENT
THE HON CRAIG CRAWFORD MP
QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, 25 September 2019
Disaster assistance has been extended to the City of Gold Coast after the Southern Queensland bushfires.
Assistance is jointly funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the grants would help cover the cost of the response and to repair infrastructure.
"This will help repair Binna Burra Road which was badly damaged," Minister Littleproud said.
"The need for assistance became clear as crews got in to assess the damage near the fire ground.
"This will help the Council clear away fire debris and repair damaged sections of the road.
"The Federal and Queensland governments will keep working closely to support the recovery."
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said fire affected communities would continue to receive support to reduce the financial burden of the fires, and to assist their long-term recovery.
"These fires in the Gold Coast Hinterland are related to the same devastating weather system and conditions as the fires we've seen over the few weeks in the Scenic Rim and the Southern Downs," Minister Crawford said.
"Disaster assistance will alleviate financial pressure on Council and support their ongoing transition into recovery.
"The Commonwealth and Queensland governments will continue to work together as the situation unfolds to ensure impacted communities have the best possible support."
DRFA assistance measures are now available in five local government areas including Council of the City of Gold Coast, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, Noosa Shire Council and Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
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.
