Far north recieves disaster help

AFTER being ravaged by heavy rainfall and strong winds at the start of the month far north Queensland is set to recieve disaster assistance.

Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland and Queensland Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts last week announced that financial assistance would be made available to communities affected by the tropical low in the far north of the state on February 3 and 4.

Mr McClelland said assistance would be provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the Queensland Government, to the six local government areas of Aurukun, Kowanyama, Mapoon, Napranum, Northern Peninsula and Pormpuraaw.

"These storms caused damage to community infrastructure and the Commonwealth is working with the Queensland Government to help communities in the process of recovery," Mr McClelland said

Mr Roberts said the assistance would help local councils to recover from the damage caused by the tropical low and help local communities to get back on their feet.

He praised the efforts of local councils in responding to and cleaning up after this event.

"As the clean-up continues in these communities, this assistance will be of great benefit," Mr Roberts said.

Under the NDRRA assistance is available for restoration of essential public assets for local councils and assistance with their clean-up costs.

Mr McClelland said that both the federal and state governments were committed to assisting individuals, families and communities affected by disaster events.

Under the NDRRA, Emergency Relief Assistance is available to cover the restoration of public assets and to help local councils with clean-up costs.

Further information about disaster assistance available for this event can be found at disasterassist.gov.au