A victory on cyclone recovery funding
TODAY’S announcement of an additional $37.6 million in Federal Government disaster relief funding to repair critical infrastructure and damaged beach and river frontages is a victory for the battered communities of Mackay and the Whitsundays.I took up the fight, along with local mayors Andrew Willcox and Greg Williamson, for a fairer funding distribution under Category D of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) which now totalled more than $96 million.The important thing to focus on today is that there’s an extra $15.2 million to restore the Shute Harbour Marina and get this business and tourism hub back up to speed.
I NOW have great confidence that there will be further NDRRA Category D funding provided for cyclone recovery in the Whitsundays, Bowen & Mackay.Today, further discussions have been held between the Federal Government and the State Government about certain aspects of the Category D funding package.Extra information which was needed regarding funding for Shute Harbour has been supplied and further discussions have also been undertaken regarding the Bluewater Trail.
Frank discussion on cyclone funding
NO-ONE pulled any punches at a teleconference which was held today with Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan in relation to concerns over Category D NDRRA funding approvals.It was a frank and fearless discussion as it had to be because we are talking about funding to assist the community in recovering from a natural disaster.Both Mayor Andrew Willcox and Mayor Greg Williamson did a fantastic job in ferociously advocating for the region.While there was a lot of disagreement around specific statements that were being made, a way forward was mapped out.The Federal Government has unanswered questions about a number of projects that were rejected for funding.
Whitsundays on show in Paris
THE city of Paris is festooned with billboards displaying turtles, Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef as part of the $10million tourism funding package to support our region following the effects of Cyclone Debbie.I welcome the launch of Tourism Australia’s international campaign which was undertaken by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steve Ciobo last night.I was able to bring Minister Ciobo to the Whitsundays to see firsthand the effects of Cyclone Debbie almost immediately after the event, and it is now heartening to see the results of that visit, which is a concerted effort to showcase our region internationally and beckon international tourists back to this beautiful part of the world.Tourism is so important for our community. It drives the economy and supports local jobs. That’s why the Liberal National Government is working hard to bring tourists back to the region.
$15 million for cyclone community recovery
THE announcement of almost $15 million in Category C community recovery funding for Local Government Areas (LGAs) including Mackay, Whitsunday, Isaac and Rockhampton is a sensible support step for those who have been adversely affected by Cyclone Debbie.This further level of Category C Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) funding provides for such initiatives as a personal support program to provide counselling for those experiencing personal and emotional difficulties, and financial counselling for those adjusting to changed financial circumstances.Another important element of this additional funding will be the provision of specialist mental health services and support for those experiencing severe distress and mental health disorders.It can be particularly appropriate for those with existing mental health problems (including children), and for emergency responders.
Severely affected Mackay residents now eligible for more assistance
A request to the Federal Minister for Justice to allowed severely affected residents in the Mackay Local Government Area to be eligible for Disaster Recovery Payments and the Disaster Recovery Allowance was granted within 24 hours.This morning the Minister for Justice Michael Keenan has announced that Mackay has now been included in the local government areas which are eligible for this Australian Government assistance.I raised this with the Minister on Monday when he was in the Whitsundays, we followed up by letter yesterday and had word late yesterday that Minister Keenan had activated it.These payments are for people who have been severely affected by cyclone and flooding events, and though that’s a relatively small number in the Mackay local government area, the effects on them are devastating.
Action needed on grants for farmers
WITH the sugar industry facing tonnage losses of between 20 and 40 per cent across the Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek districts, as well as Bowen district vegetable growers estimating a $100 million loss, I'm urging the State Government to lodge the request for the next level of NDRRA funding.This would provide primary producers with individual grants of between $10,000 and $25,000 to aid their recovery from Cyclone Debbie damage.Although the assessment of crop damage is still ongoing, some growers in the hardest hit areas of Proserpine have losses of 50 per cent of their crop, and in Mackay and Plane Creek the damage is extensive with estimates of losses of 20 per cent.
Financial help at hand for farmers and small biz owners
A NUMBER of assistance measures have been made available for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations following Cyclone Debbie, and the assessment of the impact is still ongoing.Small business owners, primary producers and those operating non-profit organisations in both the Mackay and Whitsunday local government areas are eligible for concessional interest rates loans for direct damage of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged plant, equipment and buildings as well as replace stock.These are offered at an interest rate of 1.16% and no other fees apply.
Local tradies must come first
I am demanding that all insurance companies give work to local builders and tradesman for Cyclone Debbie recovery work rather than bringing in out-of-towners.I've already heard reports today that builders from out of town have started work in the Mackay area.I had discussions with the Insurance Council of Australia as well as a number of individual insurance companies last week to request that this not happen.I have told them that local tradies must come first, and have asked the ICA to ensure that their Catastrophe Taskforce understands how serious this is for workers on the ground.
Assistance for the people of Mackay and Whitsundays
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.
I have just been advised by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) that they have declared a catastrophe event for the damage caused by Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie.As a result of that declaration the Insurance Taskforce, comprising all insurers with a claims footprint, has been established, to address and identify any issues that arise.The declaration also means residents of the north can access ICA’s disaster hotline which is now taking calls on 1800 734 621. Please note however that this line is for people with questions or who have lost documentation, not for lodging claims, nor for queries regarding government assistance.
Insurers stand ready to assist
I'VE held discussions with the Insurance Council of Australia, as well as one of Queensland’s largest insurers Suncorp, today to discuss assistance measures for people dealing with the after-effects of cyclone and storm surge damage.Suncorp have advised me that they have teams on standby to be deployed on the ground and they are gearing up their call centre capacity to take higher numbers of claim calls in the wake of Cyclone Debbie.While we have to await the outcome of Cyclone Debbie to see just what the extent of the damage is to homes and businesses and crops in the Mackay, Whitsundays, Bowen and Burdekin regions, the Insurance Council of Australia can also declare what they call an ‘insurance catastrophe’ depending on the number of people impacted.
Navy and Airforce ready to help the north
The deployment of the Defence Force’s humanitarian aid ship to the region as well as Navy and Airforce helicopters and planes on standby are some of the latest measures being taken to ensure a rapid response to Cyclone Debbie for residents of North and Central Queensland.I have just received the latest advice from the Minister for Defence Marise Payne and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, on preparations being taken at a Federal Government level to provide assistance to communities which may be impacted by Cyclone Debbie.He has advised that Defence is ready and able to respond and support local emergency authorities and the people of the affected area between Townsville and Mackay.As a precaution, HMAS Choules, the nominated HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) ship, departed Sydney this morning and is heading north to Queensland to be ready to support recovery efforts if needed.