Increased support for flood-hit NWQ region needed now

Leaders from across North West Queensland are calling on State and Federal governments to step up support for the flood-hit people, business and industry dealing with growing devastation in Queensland’s north west.

Carpentaria Shire Mayor, and NWQROC Chair, Jack Bawden said flooding is having an overwhelming impact on communities across the Gulf as they battle ongoing rain, rising waters and isolation stretching back months.

“Every sector of the community is in dire need and deserving of the government’s full responses,” Mayor Bawden said.  

“While some welcome initial disaster relief and loan schemes have been activated, we need our state and federal leaders to move urgently with targeted support ready to go right across our communities, not wait for the flood waters to go down. 

“Our people, industry, and local business have all suffered catastrophic loss with flooding. The impact just continues to multiply by prolonged isolation - here in Normanton we’re closing in on 10 weeks.

“For our small businesses suffering the isolation and close down of their business activity for more than two months has been crippling. And with the tourism season and economic boost it brings just about to ramp up, it’s heartbreaking,” he said.  

“We need to offer support to all, so they can see beyond the devastation they see now and get back to business as soon as possible.

“We’re no strangers to the wet and being isolated from time to time. Council and agencies, as well as local people, business and industry prepare and plan so we’re ready to respond. This year the prolonged situation and unprecedented flood levels has knocked us.  

“The response from our Local Disaster Management Groups, local organisations, volunteers, and community has been fantastic as always. But the tank starts to run low, and we still have recovery to deal with,” he said.  

Mayor Bawden said the flood events have highlighted the inadequacy of essential infrastructure the remote and vulnerable communities in the region deal with every day.

“All too often our communities are cut off. Doomadgee has been cut off since Christmas, and frequently gets isolated with minor weather events cutting the road.

“You shouldn’t have to second-guess travelling to health appointments, school, or shopping and be worried about getting back home in case it rains or have to pay hundreds to fly back. 

“It’s time to look seriously at the infrastructure that is needed to overcome long-term isolation, business disruption and loss of income.”

“Our councils, communities, business and industries look forward to hearing from our state and federal governments and working with them during recovery and beyond,” Mayor Bawden said.

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Contact: Aleisha Domrow, 0423 116 865