Riding the Wave: Unraveling the Financial Lifelines for Flooded South-West Communities

As the country experiences its fourth La Nina in five years, the impacts of increased rainfall are already being observed throughout Queensland, with extensive flooding affecting much of the south-west in late 2024.

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have besieged the area since November, isolating residents and resulting in considerable damage to the roadway system.

With accounts of over 350mm of water having flooded some roads, the inclement weather has prompted the local government regions of Balonne, Maranoa, Paroo, and Quilpie to be activated for disaster support for response and recovery initiatives.

Funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will assist these councils in undertaking essential road repairs and disaster mitigation actions that secure the safety of residents.

DRFA support will encompass the emergency restorations required to ensure the immediate protection of road users, including tasks such as pothole filling, shoulder stabilization, and the removal of debris from gutters, drains, and stormwater systems.

Support is also accessible for the long-term development and rebuilding of vital public infrastructure like roads, bridges, culverts, and floodways.

Eligible disaster mitigation operations under the DRFA include, but are not limited to, the creation of temporary access routes, search and rescue missions, sandbagging, tree stabilization to safeguard residential properties, and conducting water safety evaluations.

The disaster assistance activated today acknowledges both the urgency of repairing transportation infrastructure as swiftly as possible, and the essential function that infrastructure serves in maintaining community connectivity, particularly in rural regions.

While the rainfall is beneficial for south-west farmers, the roadway system in this region of Queensland is susceptible to the consequences of storms and flooding.

DRFA support will guarantee that activated councils can recover eligible expenses and proceed with the recovery efforts.