Flood Funding to Get Far North Queensland Back up and Running

Floodwaters are receding along with tourism dollars in Queensland’s far north, prompting more financial support for the devastated region. A massive clean-up has begun around Cairns, with 35 communities still isolated and more flooding predicted in the remote Cape York in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Jasper. There has been no loss of life but police have scaled down a search for an 85-year-old man at Degarra, north of Cairns. The recovery effort may take months but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared far north Queensland is “open for business” after unveiling a $64 million (US$43.5 million) package. It includes $25 million (US$17 million) for flood-hit primary producers, another $25 million for small business and not-for-profits as well as a $1 million (US$0.7 million) top up payment for nine local government areas....