More disaster assistance announced for south-east Queensland

The Australian and Queensland Governments have today announced new support measures to boost disaster recovery and resilience operations in south-east Queensland in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and severe storms and flooding.

Today’s announcement will support local clean-up efforts, invest in specialised recovery staff and provide grants to primary producers, small business owners and non-profit organisations.

A $20 million Clean-Up Program is accessible to the state’s hardest-hit local governments, while the $1 million grants for Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim can be put towards not only recovery but greater overall resilience.

Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Logan and Far North Queensland Councils, and state agencies will be supported as they continue their work clearing debris from community assets, parks, national parks, beaches and waterways.

New grants are also being made available for affected small business owners and non-profit organisations.

Ahead of today’s assistance announcement, Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Chief Executive, Brett Fraser shared “the past few weeks have been tough for many in our tourism community and my heartfelt condolences go out to those affected by the recent extreme weather events. The devastating impact that the floods and storms have had on our local communities, businesses, operators, and families has been difficult to witness.

“During times like these, the resilience and solidarity our industry is known for becomes even more crucial. As we navigate the recovery process together, know that QTIC is working hard behind the scenes to ensure that you receive the support needed.

“Along with your Regional Tourism Organisation and the Queensland Government, we’re here for you every step of the way. I know that our impacted communities will not only recover but will rebuild even stronger.

“On behalf of QTIC, I’d like to express my gratitude to the dedicated efforts of emergency service workers, volunteers and local authorities who are working around the clock to provide support to those impacted.”

More information:

Clean-up Program – $20 million

• Available to impacted councils and state agencies in response to both the south-east Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

• Funding for extraordinary clean-up activities and damage assessments of community and recreational assets, parks, waterways and beaches, and national parks.

Local Resilience and Recovery Grants – $3 million

• Confirmed Commonwealth-State funding (announced on Thursday) will deliver $1 million to each of the three councils hardest hit by the SEQ storms: Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim.

• Grants to undertake locally-led recovery initiatives, build greater community resilience, and reduce the impacts of future severe weather events.

Assistance Grants for small business:

• Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted small businesses to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock, and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Assistance Grants for non-profit organisations:

• Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted non-profit organisations to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, repair or replace damaged infrastructure or goods and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Further information on DRFA exceptional circumstances measures can be found at www.qra.qld.gov.au and Queensland natural disaster assistance via QTIC

Images. Credit: City of Gold Coast/Facebook