The Federal and Queensland Governments are extending disaster assistance to more local government areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, with the relief now including Mareeba, Tablelands and Yarrabah.
The disaster relief assistance is jointly funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with Douglas, Wujal Wujal, Cairns, Cook, Douglas and Hopevale able to access funding since 14 December.
Residents of Yarrabah can now apply for the Personal Hardship Assistance grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more, available to cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme is also available to help eligible Yarrabah homeowners reconnect electricity, gas, water or sewerage.
The councils of Mareeba, Tablelands and Yarrabah can also access funding for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets such as roads, bridges and floodways.
Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Madeleine King, said that as Tropical Cyclone Jasper moves into the Gulf, the government is getting on with the job of providing more assistance to areas in need.
“This announcement means the local government areas of Mareeba, Tablelands and Yarrabah can recoup the costs associated with disaster cleanup and repair damage caused by the event under joint federal-state funding arrangements,” Ms King said.
“Residents of Yarrabah who have been directly affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper can also access personal hardship payments to purchase food, medicine and clothing.
“We will continue to work with the Queensland Government to extend the DRFA where needed to ensure the Far North region recovers as soon as possible, and I commend all emergency services, state agencies and councils for their efforts on the ground.”
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Cameron Dick, said that as severe weather continues to hit Far North Queensland, the Queensland and Federal Governments are providing assistance to eight local government areas.
“I ask all Queenslanders to continue following the advice of their local council and emergency authorities as we assess the ongoing damage in the aftermath of this cyclone,” Mr Dick said.
“Through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, we’ll continue to stay in close contact with all impacted councils and provide every bit of help needed.”
