On 20 March 2006, the North Queensland region surrounding Innisfail was devastated by a category 5 cyclone, Tropical Cyclone Larry. With wind speeds of up to 290 km/h cutting a swathe over 150 km wide, Cyclone Larry caused extensive damage to residential, industrial and agricultural property over an area half the size of Tasmania. In the worst affected areas, up to 99 per cent of homes, 50 per cent of private businesses, and 25 per cent of Government buildings sustained significant damage. Electricity supply and road and rail access to the region was also severely disrupted.
Under Australian governance arrangements the responsibility for disaster preparedness, response, relief and recovery lies primarily with the relevant State or Territory Government. However, as detailed in the Australian Government Disaster Response Plan, the Australian Government will provide assistance in the event of an emergency where the response required is beyond the capacity of State or Territory resources.
Given the scale and severity of the destruction, the Queensland Government requested help from the Australian Government. Assistance provided included the deployment of over 400 Australian Defence Force personnel who were mobilised immediately to provide emergency assistance with reconnaissance, the distribution of essential supplies such as food, water and tarpaulins as well as providing specialist tradesmen for essential repairs.
In recognition of the extreme devastation and its implications for the long term recovery of farmers and businesses, the Prime Minister also announced a package of relief and recovery measures, in addition to those already provided for under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (NDRA) to assist those affected to rebuild their lives, homes and businesses. This assistance included ex gratia payments of up to $1,000 to affected individuals; income support payments, equivalent to the Newstart Allowance for six months, for farmers and small businesses; tax free grants of up to $25,000 for farmers and businesses; fuel excise relief; and wage assistance of $400 a fortnight per full time position paid over 26 weeks to eligible employers. These assistance measures were coordinated by a multi agency group, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Committee.
For more information concerning Cyclone Larry relief and recovery measures visit the Australian Government Disaster Assistance website at www.disasterassist.gov.au
In addition to the measures mentioned above, the Australian Government has also provided a $40 million advance to the Queensland Government under the NDRA. Under these arrangements, the Australian Government will reimburse the Queensland Government half of all State expenditure on personal hardship and distress assistance to cyclone victims, such as emergency food, accommodation, clothing and replacement of essential household items. The Australian Government will also reimburse up to 75 per cent of other eligible State expenditure, including funds provided to Local Governments and government departments for the restoration of public infrastructure.
Under the NDRA, concessional loans up to $500,000 for affected farmers and businesses with a grant component of up to 25 per cent to a maximum of $50,000; generator hire assistance to eligible primary producers; up to $10 million for ‘Operation Farm Clear’; and free bus services between Cairns, Innisfail and the surrounding regions for three months were also provided. The Australian Government has also contributed $1.1 million to the Cyclone Larry Relief Appeal, matching the contribution of the Queensland Government. So far the Australian Government’s contribution to the Cyclone Larry relief and recovery effort has exceeded $247 million.
In addition to the NDRA, the Australian Government is also working in partnership with Local Government and the States and Territories to reduce the risks, damage and losses to communities from natural disasters.
The Department of Transport and Regional Services administers the Bushfire Mitigation Programme; the Regional Flood Mitigation Programme; and the Natural Disaster Mitigation Programme which provide funding to State Governments and local councils for natural disaster mitigation works, measures and related activities, contributing to safer and more resilient communities better able to withstand the effects of natural disasters.
For more information concerning the Australian Government’s Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements and mitigation programmes please visit www.dotars.gov.au/localgovt/ndr/index.aspx
