Disaster Recovery Arrangements activated for Western Downs
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5 May 2022
Example of road damage experienced during March weather events
Residents impacted by flooding across the Western Downs now have access to important disaster recovery assistance following consecutive weather events in February and March 2022.
The Western Downs Regional Council area has been activated under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) which is a jointly funded program between the Australian and Queensland Governments that provides financial assistance to support recovery from natural disaster events.
Mayor Paul McVeigh said he was delighted to see the region activated under the DRFA and encouraged impacted residents and businesses to find out if they’re eligible for support.
“Our region has been lashed by heavy rainfall and flooding in recent months, and it’s great to see the Western Downs included in the arrangements which offer several avenues of financial assistance to those who were impacted,” Cr McVeigh said.
“We saw significant impacts in our region not only for some households, but also for primary producers, businesses and community organisations who were affected by direct damage to their properties, as well as impacts to business operations with key transport and supply routes cut off due to damaged or flooded roads across the region.”
Some of the funding programs activated under the arrangements include:
Freight subsidies for primary producers Disaster Assistance Loans for: Not-for-profit organisations Small businesses Primary producers Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants for: Not-for-profit organisations Primary producers Small businessesCouncil will also receive funding under the recovery arrangements to help repair damaged roads and essential services infrastructure, which were significantly impacted during the recent weather events.
Cr McVeigh said while the flooding has subsided, Council was still calculating the cost of the damage to road infrastructure across the region.
“Our crews are working as quickly as possible to ensure our roads are safe and accessible, and I encourage drivers to be patient and understanding as we move through these works,” he said.
“Residents are reminded to drive to the conditions, obey any road signage in place, and report any damage via the Snap Send Solve App or by phoning 1300 COUNCIL (268 624).”
Find out if they you are eligible for the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements via the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) website www.qrida.qld.gov.au
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