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
Major Aussie tourist destination battered by torrential rain, flash flooding

Significant Australian Tourist Hub Faces Severe Weather with Torrential Rain and Flash Flooding

Residents have been evacuated and holidaymakers are on edge after a torrential…

Victoria Prepares for Intense Storms and Potential Flooding

In Brief Storms have lashed Victoria since Tuesday afternoon. Severe storm, flood…
Life bans imposed over wild brawl at OzTag championships

Lifetime Bans Issued Following Intense Altercation at OzTag Championships

In an unprecedented decision, a father and son have been permanently banned…
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has downplayed concerns about AI's energy cost, arguing it takes a lot of energy to train a human too.

OpenAI CEO Defends AI Training’s Energy Consumption: Equates to Human Development Costs

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has addressed concerns about the energy consumption of…
'BUYER BEWARE': Trump's new tariff threat after court smackdown

Trump Responds to Court Setback with New Tariff Warning

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose bigger tariffs on countries…
Sydney to Newcastle high-speed rail to be 'shovel-ready' in two years

High-Speed Rail Link Between Sydney and Newcastle Set to Reach ‘Shovel-Ready’ Status in Two Years

The federal government has poured another $230 billion into planning for a…

Developer Announces Plans for Trump’s Tower on Gold Coast, Set to Become Australia’s Tallest Building

In brief A property developer says he has signed a deal with…

Iran Vows Intense Retaliation Amid Escalating US Tensions and Nationwide Student Protests

In brief Videos of protests in Iran show students chanting and burning…
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Albanese Supports Move to Remove Former Prince Andrew from Royal Lineup

Despite being eighth in line for the British throne, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s potential…

Authorities Intensify Search for Abducted Grandfather Chris Baghsarian in Rural Areas

IN BRIEF 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian was kidnapped from his home more…
Dr Simon Gordon

Renowned Surgeon Faces Allegations of Unwarranted Endometriosis Procedures

A prominent Melbourne surgeon is under investigation over allegations he performed unnecessary…
Andrew photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following his arrest on Thursday

New Zealand PM Backs Australia’s Call to Reconsider Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Royal Position

New Zealand’s leader has expressed his willingness to endorse any initiatives aimed…