Disaster assistance extended to Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and Quilpie

March 25, 2021

Disaster assistance has been extended to the local government areas of Goondiwindi, Quilpie and Southern Downs following the heavy rainfall and flash flooding that drenched Southern Queensland this week.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management and Maranoa MP David Littleproud said ongoing support will be available for those communities across Southern Queensland lashed by the heavy rainfall and dangerous flash flooding.

“As the flood waters recede and councils start to assess the damage left behind, the focus will be the clean-up and reconstruction efforts,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Communities in the area have been put to the test with this latest setback and this assistance is going to help ensure they are able to make the quickest recovery possible.”

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said that the rain and flooding had caused widespread disruption across Southern Queensland, cutting power and blocking access to hundreds of properties.

“We’re seeing reports of damage to floodways, as well as roads that were scoured by the fast-flowing water,” Minister Ryan said.

“Not only will this funding help rebuild those assets, it will also cover costs associated with the many SES crews that were out helping the community during the worst of the rain and flooding.

“The Commonwealth and Queensland governments will continue to stand by these communities and support them until their recovery is complete.”

DRFA assistance is now available in seven local government areas in Southern Queensland in response to this severe weather event: Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Logan City, Quilpie, Scenic Rim and Southern Downs.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website at www.qra.qld.gov.au.