Minister for Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have announced a $242 million long-term recovery package to support communities devastated by the Queensland floods.
The funding is being provided through Categories C and D of the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister Reynolds said communities across North, West and Far North Queensland that had been devastated by the record-breaking floods would be dealing with economic and emotional impacts for months and years to come.
“This funding represents the Australian and Queensland governments’ continued commitment to rebuild the region long after the flood waters have receded,” Minister Reynolds said.
“A wide range of measures are being funded through this package to address gaps in existing recovery assistance, including small business recovery initiatives, rehabilitating and restoring flood affected river and coastal environments and greater access to mental health and wellbeing support services.
“The package will also help communities be better prepared for future disasters, with funding available for more accurate flood mapping and improved flood monitoring systems.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said communities across the North, West and Far North of Queensland were no strangers to monsoonal conditions, but that this disaster had tested the limits of the region’s resilience.
“As we move into the rebuilding and recovery phase, it is important we continue to foster resilience within affected communities to make them better prepared for future disasters,” Premier Palaszczuk said.
“This package includes funding to boost community resilience, including though a $100 million infrastructure betterment fund and programs to support community awareness and education.
“The Commonwealth and Queensland governments have worked together closely to develop this package and I am pleased we have been able to offer this funding on top of the extensive assistance already available.”
The North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency, announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on 1 March, will also consider further ways the Commonwealth Government can support farmers to recover and rebuild their businesses.
Breakdown of long-term recovery package
- $100 million for an infrastructure betterment fund
- $14.5 million for the restoration of damaged water and sewerage infrastructure
- $20 million for the clean-up and repair of community and recreational assets and facilities
- $10 million for business and industry support
- $5 million for a tourism recovery package
- $22 million for a North West Queensland beef recovery package
- $2 million for extraordinary fodder supply
- $33 million for a riparian and coastal recovery program
- $3 million for weed and pest management
- $15.5 million for a resilience grants program
- $750,000 for community information and education
- $3.5 million for a flood mapping and warning program
- $7 million for community health and wellbeing
- $5.25 million for a community development program, and
- $500,000 for monitoring and evaluation.
