As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the Queensland coast, $15 million in emergency assistance has been made available to south east councils in the impact zone.
The Community Relief Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments will provide councils up to $1 million to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities.
Councils can use this funding for waste and debris removal from streets, properties, and community assets, and activities to restore public assets.
Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The Commonwealth Government is working closely with both the Queensland and New South Wales Governments to ensure appropriate recovery support is ready to go for impacted communities over the coming days.
“In the wake of such devastation, it’s crucial affected communities know we have their back,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“Early focus on clean-up is the first step to returning life to an even keel.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said delivering this support now means no delay and no time between response and recovery.
“Just as work continues in the north and far north, we’ll walk side by side with local governments during the next phase of recovery.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said this fund allows councils to focus on tasks of most benefit to their residents, with officers from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority positioned ready to assist all affected SEQ councils with their recovery efforts.
Visit www.qra.qld.gov.au for more information.
