Queensland floods: More storms brew as troops sent to flood-hit regions to aid recovery
Troops are set to have boots on the ground in far north Queensland as the region recovers from record flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged Australian Defence Force support for the devastated area with another announcement expected on Wednesday.
Mr Albanese flew north with Queensland Premier Steven Miles on Tuesday afternoon, flying over flood-ravaged Cape Tribulation.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We know there is more to do and that is why today the federal government has approved further assistance from the Australian Defence Force in the form of personnel, equipment but also temporary accommodation,” he told reporters.
It is understood tourism operators are expected to benefit from the mooted Wednesday announcement after Mr Albanese and the premier stay overnight in Cairns.
The prime minister and Mr Miles on Tuesday unveiled a $20 million disaster relief package for the state’s southeast which was hit hard by storms over the Christmas-New Year period.
It occurred after the far north was devastated by record rainfall and flooding in the wake of Cyclone Jasper.
Overall an extra $50 million is expected for Queensland’s storm and cyclone recovery effort.
Queensland’s southeast may once again be struck by severe storms as it rebuilds.
A major recovery effort that may take years to complete is under way after seven people died in storm-related incidents with Scenic Rim, Logan and the Gold Coast the worst hit in the southeast.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Scenic Rim could be in for another drenching on Wednesday.
“There is a chance right throughout the state of seeing more stock-standard storms but that severity is in the Granite Belt and Scenic Rim areas,” the bureau’s Patch Clapp said.
More details about the southeast’s wild weather have been revealed after a tornado wreaked havoc on the Gold Coast on Christmas Day while Logan and Scenic Rim endured storms and flash flooding.
Mr Miles said there had been 3.5 million lightning strikes over the holiday period, compared to 38,000 during the same period in 2022.
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has estimated the state’s repair bill will be $2 billion but expects that figure to rise.
