Community
18 December, 2023
Rain eases but widespread flooding throughout Far North
UPDATE: 9am PERSONAL hardship assistance has been extended to disaster impacted communities in five additional Far North Queensland local government areas.
The entire local government areas of Cairns, Mareeba, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast, and select localities in Cook Shire will now also be eligible for assistance.
Residents can access grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for a family of five or more to cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing and medicine.
Cairns Airport remains closed.
A spokeswoman said staff had been onsite since early this morning inspecting the runway, and have held briefings with the airlines and other key stakeholders.
“The flooding on the aerodrome has subsided. However, given our proximity to the Barron River, there is significant debris that needs to be removed and cleaned,” she said.
“We will then be in a position to assess our runway infrastructure, to determine its serviceability.
“This will take some time. As such, we can confirm that operations will not recommence at Cairns Airport today. Please do not travel to the airport today.
“Safety is our highest priority. Our team and the wider Cairns Airport community are working tirelessly to enable operations as quickly as possible.
“All flights scheduled for today have been cancelled or delayed. Please contact your airline directly for information about specific flights.
“We also wish to reiterate that our domestic and international terminals, including the car parks, have not been adversely impacted.”
Another update will be posted about 4pm today.
The federal and Queensland governments have now activated the jointly-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for nine Far North councils in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme is also available to eligible homeowners needing to reconnect electricity, gas, water or sewerage.
Acting Federal Emergency Management Minister Madeleine King said Personal Hardship Assistance provided a much-needed early helping hand to those affected, supporting people with their recovery.
““The income-tested Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme will act as a safety net for any uninsured homeowners,” she said.
“We’re also activating Cassowary Coast for counter disaster operations support and the reconstruction of essential public assets, so that council can focus on their response and recovery.
“We continue to monitor the evolving flooding up north and will announce further assistance where required.”
Queensland deputy premier Cameron Dick said there was “an unfolding emergency in our Far North”.
“By extending DRFA support to more communities, we’re ensuring every person who needs help can get it,” he said.
“Anyone requiring personal hardship payments or other immediate assistance can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
“If you are battling this severe weather, please continue following the advice of emergency services and councils, and if it’s flooded, forget it.
“The safety and welfare of flood hit Queenslanders is our top priority right now.”
It comes as the Cairns Regional Council urges people to limit their water use.
Residents and businesses within the Cairns region should only use water for emergency purposes.
“Council’s treatment plants are offline due to the ongoing flooding across the region, a council spokesman said.
“Water supply stored in the reservoirs is reaching a critical level and residents are being urged to use water for emergency use only,” he said.
“Water from the reservoirs is safe to drink and does not need to be boiled.
“The notice to conserve water is likely to remain in place until for the remainder of this week.
“Council will advise when this notice has been lifted”
Cairns Regional Council advises that consumers in the Bartle Frere and Woopen Creek areas should boil drinking water until further notice.
Residents in Tully town, Feluga, East Feluga, Bulgun, Silky Oak, Euramo, Hull Heads, Tully Heads, Merryburn, Carmoo, Jarra Creek area (Syndicate Road and Mullins Road) are advised to boil drinking water until further notice.
