Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean, this week toured flood-affected towns across the state.

During a visit to Maryborough on the Fraser Coast, Mr Crean reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to assisting local government in the recovery effort.

He said additional funding had been provided to councils and shires under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

“This funding has been made available to 53 councils in Queensland, including Fraser Coast Regional Council to help repair damaged schools, hospitals and other key infrastructure,” he said.

“Under NDRRA, the Commonwealth will meet 75 per cent of eligible costs for the restoration of essential public assets such as roads, bridges and schools.

“Co-contribution payments from the Commonwealth will be triggered when State Government costs in Queensland exceed approximately $145 million for Queensland.”

The Queensland Government also received early payment of more than $77 million in Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants, which were made available to councils.

“The Australian Government will continue to work together with the Queensland Government and local councils to help families, businesses, farmers and communities recover,” Mr Crean said.