Flooding in Clermont in central Queensland
Share this @internewscast.com
An extra $26 million in disaster recovery funding will be allocated to supporting those impacted by the deluge in Queensland brought on by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

Small businesses will receive $25,000 grants, while $1 million is earmarked for regional councils and $4 million is set aside for mental health recovery initiatives.

Flooding in Clermont in central Queensland
Flooding in Clermont in central Queensland. (9News)

In addition, primary producers in the area will benefit from an $11.32 million funding boost.

These measures are part of a comprehensive $66 million government funding package responding to the aftermath of Koji.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Australia, stating, “Australia is experiencing more extreme weather events, and they’re occurring more often, and with greater intensity.”

He added, “It is something that we’re having to deal with, but Australians are showing how resilient they are.”

Albanese emphasized the crucial role of local governments in providing immediate support, saying, “One of the things that we find at times like this, it is local government that is best positioned to really provide that immediate assistance.”

The PM said he was in ongoing talks with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and assured flood-hit residents there was ”no politics” at play.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an extra $26 million in flood support. (9News)

More funding could be imminent as local communities assess the damage, Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.

“I do want to make really clear there’s a range of things we still don’t know from this flood event,” McBain said.

“We’ll continue to work with the local council, with our embedded national emergency management agency officials here, and if there’s additional supports required.”

Hardship payments for flood-affected communities were announced after Koji made landfall over the weekend.

Support grants of $180 per person, or up to $900 for families of five or more, can be claimed to cover emergency food, clothing and medicine for residents in Clermont, McKinlay Shire, and parts of the Mackay region.

Flooding in Queensland caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji
Flooding in Queensland caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji (9News)

Three income-tested grants are also available to eligible uninsured residents in Clermont, McKinlay, Flinders, Richmond and Winton.

At least 31 local Queensland councils are receiving funding from the federal and state governments.

Another weather system is forming off the coast, which has a “high” chance of becoming a severe tropical cyclone early next week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'The America we thought we knew before Trump is not coming back'

How Trump Forever Changed America’s Landscape

One year ago, Donald Trump returned to the White House on a…

Coalition Split on Hate Legislation as Greens Raise Free Speech Issues, Despite Liberal Amendments

The Opposition has fractured over Labor’s anti-hate laws after Liberal amendments created…
First female NSW governor Dame Marie Bashir has died

Trailblazing NSW Governor, Dame Marie Bashir, Passes Away at 92

The esteemed Dame Marie Bashir, a remarkable figure and former governor of…

Breaking the Billionaire Boom: How a Wealth Tax Could Disrupt the Cycle of Growing Inequality

As the world’s billionaires grow richer by the day, a few dozen…

Shark Encounter Leaves Man Critical, Beaches Temporarily Shut Down

A surfer has been bitten by a shark on the New South…

Trump Connects Greenland Proposal to Nobel Prize Disappointment, Vows to Proceed with Tariff Threats

Key Points Norway’s government has released a message United States President Donald…

Single Mother Finds Independence Through a Passion-Turned-Profession

Is escaping from reality helping or harming us? In this episode of…
Piper James, 19, was found dead on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, yesterday morning surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes.

Teenager Found Deceased Among Dingoes on Queensland Island Has Been Identified

A Canadian teenager who was found dead on a Queensland beach was…
Shark bites seem to be on the rise, but Aussies don't know the whole story

Unveiling the Truth: Why Shark Bites Are Increasing and What Australians Aren’t Being Told

For nearly 60 years, Sydney did not record a single fatal shark…
Police said the attack was random and came as a result of an altercation.

Man Indicted for Murder More Than a Year After Alleged ‘Random’ Fatal Attack

A man has been charged with murder more than a year after…
forget smartphone on car sit, lost smart phone ,

Unexpected Rideshare Mix-up Causes Major Inconvenience: How a Simple Mistake Turned into a Massive Headache

Exclusive: We’ve all been there or know someone who has—leaving behind a…

Alleged Antisemitic Incident Leaves Jewish Teens Traumatized, Reports Police

Victoria Police have announced the identification of two individuals connected to an…