Disaster assistance available for nine local government areas
The Australian and Queensland governments have announced disaster assistance for nine local government areas in remote Far North Queensland impacted by flooding brought on by a Tropical Low in late January. The councils of Aurukun, Cook, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Napranum, Northern Peninsula Area, Pormpuraaw, Torres Shire and Torres Strait Island Regional Council are eligible for financial assistance under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The DRFA assistance will provide financial support for counter disaster operations and restoration of essential public assets, such as roads and bridges, that were damaged by the floods. The severe weather system had caused rivers to burst their banks across Cape York and isolated many communities. The flooding was preceded by Tropical Cyclone Imogen, which made landfall on January 6 and caused widespread damage in the region.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Tropical Low had caused a lot of damage to communities and the repairs have been extensive and expensive. “These communities have reported impacts from the floods such as uprooted trees, road and bridge damage from swollen rivers and isolation due to flooded access points,” Minister Littleproud said. “Queensland has again earned its unenviable reputation as the most disaster impacted state in the nation, with a Tropical Low in the Gulf of Carpentaria bringing even more rain to a region already sodden by Tropical Cyclone Imogen.”
Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the Australian and Queensland governments will continue to work together to support the long-term recovery of communities impacted by natural disasters in Queensland. “I know that communities in the region are resilient and, with the support of the Australian and Queensland governments, they will recover strongly from this latest set-back,” Minister Ryan said.
Banks stand ready to support cyclone-impacted customers
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has also announced that banks stand ready to support customers and businesses affected by the cyclone and floods in Far North Queensland. The ABA said that banks have a range of measures to help customers, including deferring loan payments, waiving fees and charges, and restructuring loans without incurring fees.
ABA CEO Anna Bligh said that banks understand the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on people and businesses. “Banks have experienced teams ready to assist customers affected by the cyclone and floods. The best thing customers can do is contact their bank and explain their situation so they can access the help they need,” Ms Bligh said.
Ms Bligh also urged customers to contact their bank as soon as possible if they are experiencing financial difficulty due to the cyclone and floods. “Don’t tough it out on your own. Your bank is ready to help you find a way through, whether that’s restructuring your loan, or giving you some breathing space with your repayments,” Ms Bligh said.
How to access the disaster assistance and bank support
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website. Customers who are experiencing financial hardship due to the cyclone and floods can contact their bank directly or through the ABA’s website.
The ABA also advised customers to check their insurance policies and contact their insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process. Customers who are not satisfied with the response from their insurer can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority for assistance.
