Heavy rains generate first disaster activation of the season

Seven southern Queensland councils have been activated for disaster recovery funding after severe storms and flash flooding swept through the region in late October.

The councils of Fraser Coast, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Southern Downs and Toowoomba can now access assistance through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

A widespread outbreak of severe thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain lashed southern local government areas over a week-long stretch last month, with many rainfall totals breaching 100mm in a matter of hours.

This led to major flooding in key regional waterways including the Mary, Condamine, Warrego and Weir Rivers.

Local road networks saw major damage to surfaces and structures, and a number of rural communities were cut off for periods of time.

Clean up from the wild weather has been ongoing, and as well as emergency repairs to the road network, long-term reconstruction work is also required in many communities.

This funding announced by the Queensland and Australian Governments will allow eligible councils to continue with their recovery efforts, including debris removal from roads and waterways. 

It will also cover repairs to essential public assets like roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) remains in close contact with impacted councils to provide all support required.

For the latest disaster information from the Queensland Government visit disaster.qld.gov.au.