MARCH 30, 2017: A number of assistance measures have now been announced for Mackay and Whitsunday Regional Councils by the Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Queensland Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan.These include:

• Immediate assistance for individuals and families facing personal hardship and distress, so that those people can cover emergency needs such as food, clothing, accommodation and essential repairs.
• The assistance available will be in the vicinity of $150 to $180 dollars for individuals and $750 to $900 for families. This is not income tested, but it is for those who are not able to provide for their recovery from their own resources.
• Further assistance for demolition or rebuilding, for the removal of debris, and for personal and financial counselling.
• Financial assistance for our councils in Mackay and the Whitsundays to restore damaged essential public infrastructure.
• Concessional interest rate loans and interest rate subsidies for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations, whose assets have been significantly damaged, or who have suffered a significant loss of income.
• Financial assistance is also being made available for individuals or non-profit organisations in need, and freight subsidies are on offer for primary producers whose assets have been significantly damaged.

Assistance is being made available under the jointly-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).More information on current measures can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/ and the Queensland Government’s Disaster management website at http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/.