Disaster assistance has been made available for communities in North and Far North Queensland impacted by the severe weather and flooding brought on by Tropical Cyclone Owen.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the Commonwealth and Queensland governments are working together to support recovery efforts following the cyclone.
"Through the DRFA, we are able to offer assistance to Carpentaria Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Townsville City Council to help their regions recover," Assistant Minister Reynolds said.
"The assistance will help impacted councils carry out counter disaster operations and restore damaged public assets, including roads and causeways in Carpentaria and Hinchinbrook."
Queensland’s Acting Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Leeanne Enoch, said Cyclone Owen had a major impact in North and Far North Queensland, with flooding affecting communities across the region.
"Some parts of the state received more than 680 millimetres of rain in 24 hours, causing damage to public infrastructure across the region," Ms Enoch said.
"We are monitoring the situation as the cyclone season continues and will work closely with the Commonwealth to support other communities as required."
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.
