Joint media release with the Hon Ann Leahy MP
Three new flood recovery packages for north and Far North Queensland totalling more than $77 million are being delivered by the Albanese and Crisafulli Government.
The assistance will support environmental rehabilitation and the resilience of natural areas, repairs to damaged water and sewerage assets in Charters Towers, and legal assistance for affected north Queenslanders.
Packages backed through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding arrangements (DRFA) include:
- $73 million Environmental Recovery Program for catchment, coastline and national park restoration and the management of impacts to key nature areas and cultural sites.
- $3.12 million Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Recovery Program to help Charters Towers Regional Council repair damaged water and sewerage infrastructure, and safeguard local water supply against future disasters.
- $1.42 million Legal Assistance Relief for people severely affected by the floods to access legal help for matters like insurance claims, tenancy problems and property damage.
More than $507 million in extraordinary DRFA support packages are now being delivered in response to the North and Far North Tropical Low disaster event.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the scale of the summer flooding demanded a response equally as great.
“From the get-go we have stressed our unwavering support to all north Queenslanders impacted by this disaster,” Minister McBain said.
“We are committed to ongoing recovery efforts in the region and determined to see this work through.”
“What we’ll see from our efforts is those surface impacts addressed, but also an improved resilience across land, waterways and coastal areas.”
“Actions such as stabilising erosion, revegetating waterways, controlling weeds and pests, and biodiversity conservation will ensure we not only recover but are ready for the future.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the commitment to water security in Charters Towers will lift the community and its surrounds.
“Having safe and reliable water supply improves health and economic outcomes. It gives residents peace of mind, and businesses confidence,” Minister Leahy said.
“Charters Towers Regional Council will soon be able to manage their water and sewerage assets with certainty, and avoid any flood risks to the infrastructure.”
The Environmental Recovery Program will be available to 40 LGAs stretching between Mackay, Diamantina, Burke, and Torres Strait.
Legal assistance can be accessed by eligible residents and businesses in Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Tablelands and Yarrabah.
For more on these packages and others visit the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
