Disaster support switched on for northern councils battling monsoon

Thirteen local governments from Burke to Townsville are now receiving assistance for their response and recovery activities as heavy rains continue to inundate Queensland's north and north-west.

This includes the councils of Burke, Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Cloncurry, Croydon, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Palm Island, Richmond, Townsville, Winton and Yarrabah.

Support offers funding for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of damaged essential public assets like roads and bridges.

All assistance is provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The activations are in answer to the North Queensland Monsoon Trough that has battered the region since 24 December.

Since Christmas huge rainfall totals have been recorded in the north-west interior and along the northern coast, with some locations receiving more than a metre of rain in a week.

Councils can use this DRFA assistance to recoup the eligible costs of maintaining public safety and local road networks, and carrying out emergency road repairs.

Other targeted support measures, particularly for cattle and sheep farmers, will be announced in the days and weeks ahead.

Queensland Reconstruction Authority officers are in close and constant contact with councils as disaster impacts are revealed to ensure all necessary assistance is available.

Queenslanders in need of disaster support can phone the state government's Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.