The Federal and Queensland Governments are extending disaster assistance to seven western Queensland councils to support recovery efforts after widespread flooding.
Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Quilpie and Winton Councils will receive support through the joint federal-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for response, clean-up and recovery.
Councils have reported significant damage to infrastructure including local road networks that require urgent repairs to keep communities connected.
These latest activations take the total number of Queensland councils receiving DRFA assistance for the 2024-25 disaster season to 70 with Queensland tackling floods, bushfires, cyclones and severe storms.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister, said that it’s a challenging time for communities in western Queensland who are experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding.
“The support we have activated today will help councils begin clean up and carry out emergency roadworks,” McAllister said.
“It is still a dynamic situation, and I urge people in affected areas to stay up to date with the latest emergency warnings and follow the advice of emergency services.
“We’re working closely with the Queensland Government to monitor the situation and activate support if and when required.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy, said that Queensland has again been hit hard during the 2024-25 disaster season.
“Impacts from 16 disaster events have seen almost every corner of our state affected by at least one severe weather event this season,” Leahy said.
“While this drenching out west is welcomed by producers, it’s also damaged essential infrastructure and isolated properties.
“Communities in affected areas need our support, and through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) our government is working with councils to accelerate recovery.”
