David Littlerpoud MP David Littlerpoud

Disaster Assistance Extended to South Burnett

March 17, 2020

Following on from flooding events in February, disaster assistance is now available to the South Burnett Regional Council, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said today.

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

“This will help the South Burnett clean up flood affected areas, aid community recovery and financial support so these communities can get back on their feet sooner,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The South Burnett has reported impacts from the floods such as inundation of houses, road damage and isolation due to flooded access points which has required a multi-agency response.

“The South Burnett Regional Council will identify where works need to take place – particularly on public assets like roads – and make applications through the State Government for the funding.

“Safe and reliable roads keep business churning in the South Burnett – without efficient roads we lose access to schools, machinery stores and local businesses.

“With the wet weather we’ve experienced, farmers will have a good chance to sell livestock or quality yields down the track and the only way to do that is to make sure roads are up to scratch for road trains to get in and out.

“Tourism is a growing industry and has been a boost for businesses during drought – we need to guarantee our roads and public facilities are up to scratch so that tourists can get around the South Burnett, stay longer and support local businesses.

“The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments are working together to ensure all impacted communities receive the recovery support they need.

Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said clean-up operations were ongoing in flood affected regions across the state.

“This heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding, with damage to public infrastructure and road closures across diverse areas of southern Queensland,” Minister Crawford said.

“This funding will assist with the recovery from this latest event to alleviate the financial burden on these impacted councils.

“Today’s activation brings the number of local governments able to access DRFA assistance in response to this event to nine: Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Logan, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Downs.”

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

ENDS