Wide Bay-Burnett councils activated for disaster assistance
Sustained rainfall in the lead-up to Christmas resulted in flash flooding, road damage and temporary route closures in the Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett, Somerset, and South Burnett Regional Council areas.
A series of trough systems caused severe thunderstorms over several days, which combined with an east coast low pressure system generated large rainfall totals for the region.
This included up to 300mm recorded across the North Burnett, 218mm in Maryborough, and 214mm recorded at Gympie.
Heavy sodden catchments quickly became vulnerable to flash flooding, with minor flooding recorded along Boyne River at Cooranga, Barambah Creek at Ban Ban Springs, and Burnett River at Mt Lawless.
Major traffic routes impacted by floodwaters included the Burnett Highway at Ban Ban Springs, Isis Highway at Gospel Hall Road intersection, Gooroolba-Biggenden Road at Chowey Bridge intersection, and Maryborough-Biggenden Road at Lower Lakeside.
Road closures restricted transport movement and significant damage to critical infrastructure was recorded, from roads and bridges to drainage networks.
In response to this, the Australian and Queensland Governments have activated disaster assistance for affected councils through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Councils can use the assistance to cover expenses for emergency repairs and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
The costs of counter disaster operations undertaken in the immediate aftermath of the storms to ensure public safety can also be reclaimed.
Disaster assistance allows councils to focus on their response and recovery efforts, helping impacted communities recover sooner.
DRFA funding is a critical support mechanism that allows councils to repair damage to their road network to minimise the impacts of isolation and ensure the safety and protection of residents.
Further details on disaster assistance can be found via the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.