Disaster assistance is now available for Far North Queensland's Cook and Douglas Shire Councils, which were both hit by Category Two Tropical Cyclone Tiffany earlier this month.
The assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said DRFA assistance is available to cover the costs of clean up and repair of roads and other public infrastructure damaged by flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Tiffany.
"Fortunately, no lives were lost when the Tropical Cyclone made landfall between Cooktown and the Lockhart River. But roads in the Cook and Douglas shires have suffered a great deal of damage, leaving some communities cut off from being able to access essential services," Minister McKenzie said.
"The assistance measures are aimed at public safety clean-up operations, such as clearing fallen trees and green waste, and the repair of essential public infrastructure, including roads and bridges throughout the region damaged by the cyclone.
"We want to ensure both Cook and Douglas Shire Councils are able to make their communities safe and get back on their feet quickly," Minister McKenzie said.
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the activation of the DRFA will ensure the councils have the support they need on the road to recovery from the impacts of Cyclone Tiffany.
"The activation of the DRFA will ensure communities in the top end who have been cut off by fallen trees and flooded rivers are reconnected through disaster recovery and works to repair roads in Douglas and Cook Shire.
"The important thing to remember is no-one is alone on their recovery journey in the aftermath of disasters such as Tiffany.
"The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments continue to work closely to support ongoing recovery efforts and identify where further assistance can be provided to ensure all of those affected have the best possible support," Minister Ryan said.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the QRA's website at www.qra.qld.gov.au
