Two weeks after severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie crossed the coast, electricity has been restored to 99 per cent of customers and $16 million in assistance paid to affected Queenslanders.
Visiting the Whitsunday region today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said electricity was to be restored for 450 of 64,550 customers who lost power thanks to the hard work of more than 1200 Energy Queensland workers and contractors.
“More than 1000 customers were restored yesterday,” she said.
“To date, 99% of customers in Airlie Beach has been restored. Work continues in Bloomsbury, Dingo Beach, Shute Harbour, and Strathdickie.”
The Premier said assistance paid to affected Queenslanders, under the joint Commonwealth State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, was increasing rapidly.
More than 42,000 grants have been paid out to Queenslanders in need following TC Debbie, totalling more than $16.6 million.
Community Recovery Hotline has received more than 44,000 total calls to date.
Immediate Hardship Payments of $180 per person or up to $900 for a family of five or more, to help cover the cost of essential items such as food, clothing, medicine and accommodation.
Call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, go online to www.qld.gov.au/communityrecovery
The Government has deployed 483 Ready Reserve staff to boost recovery efforts, together with our partners Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army and Uniting Care Queensland.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
