- Disaster assistance has been activated to cover the costs of response operations and repairs for Burdekin and Hinchinbrook Shire Councils, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and Townsville City Council in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
- Assistance is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Having borne the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, Burdekin and Hinchinbrook Shire Councils, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and Townsville City Council can now access federal and state funding for counter disaster operations such as the removal of fallen trees and debris, and other measures aimed at community safety like sandbagging.
This assistance is jointly provided by the Australian and Queensland governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossed the coast near Townsville at approximately 10pm on Thursday 25 January 2024.
While the full extent of damage is still being assessed, the activation of immediate disaster assistance will enable these councils to cover the costs associated with preparing for,and the immediate response to the impacts of, Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
"North Queenslanders yet again face the task of mopping up following a tropical cyclone and the Australian and Queensland governments are here to support them in that time of need," Minister Watt said.
"Activating DRFA assistance for impacted councils is the first step on the road to recovery and will help with immediate response efforts.
"We have the greatest admiration for the resilience of North Queenslanders and the way they prepare for and respond to a crisis and they can be sure our support will not waver as they recover from this latest disaster."
Quotes attributable to minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:
"I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone – including emergency services crews, first responders, volunteers, and local community members – who have stepped up to prepare and respond to this cyclone," Ms Boyd said.
"Ongoing rain may continue to impact other communities and additional funding may be activated as assessments continue.
"Regardless of where those communities are, the Queensland Government and Queensland Reconstruction Authority will pitch in to help those who have been hardest hit."
To learn more about DRFA support head to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.
