FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch today welcomed disaster assistance for Far North Queensland communities following the severe storms and flooding experienced in May.
Mr Entsch said the funding announced today would help Cook Shire and Wujal Wujal to make sure they have the resources and support needed to recover from the impacts of the bad weather.
“The heavy rain and storms we saw in May were quite unseasonal and broke records around the Far North,” Mr Entsch said. “Hopevale was pummelled with 328mm in a 24 hour period, and Cooktown drenched with 211mm in 24 hours.
“This level of rain puts a lot of pressure on infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and sewerage and drainage systems, so it’s appropriate that the Federal Government is supporting councils and residents through the following measures:
• Personal and financial counselling is available to eligible people in the local government areas of Cook Shire and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire for those suffering from the effects of the event. Constituents can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 with any enquiries or questions regarding eligibility.
• Cook Shire and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Councils can also access assistance to help with the costs of protecting their communities and undertaking clean-up activities.
• Financial assistance is available for the Cook Shire and Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire to restore damaged essential public assets.
Information regarding the assistance available can be found on the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au http://www.mpes.nsw.gov.au/nddassistance and on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au