Minister for Justice, the Hon Michael Keenan MP, and Queensland Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan MP, have announced additional disaster assistance in response to Tropical Cyclone Debbie that has affected eight local government areas.
The assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
Minister Keenan said the Commonwealth and Queensland governments have moved swiftly to make emergency assistance available under the NDRRA.
"This announcement will extend assistance in Mackay and Whitsunday to provide personal hardship and distress assistance for families and individuals," Mr Keenan said.
"This will help with emergency needs such as food, clothing and accommodation, essential repairs to damaged homes and the replacement of essential household contents."
Minister Ryan said financial assistance is also being made available to these local government authorities to restore damaged essential public infrastructure.
"The Australian and Queensland governments will continue to work together to ensure that communities have access to the assistance they need," Mr Ryan said.
The Australian Government has also agreed to reimburse eligible councils for use of their own plant and equipment when rebuilding damaged public assets such as roads, including graders, bulldozers, and excavators.
Information on disaster assistance available for this natural disaster can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website and the Queensland Government's Disaster Management website.