State, federal governments invest$186.75m into flood-impacted western Queensland

The Queensland government has provided $186.75m in aid to flood-affected western Queensland and is urging tourists to visit the region now lush with flora and fauna.

The Queensland government has thrown their support behind flood-affected communities in the west with $186.75m in assistance packages, but say tourism is what’s needed to get them back on their feet.

The disaster support was made available for producers, small businesses, local councils, and households and included a $105m package for fencing, a $12m Emergency Fodder Support Package for stranded livestock and $718,000 in emergency grants for 3243 people in Western Queensland.

Premier David Crisafulli, Disaster Recovery Minister and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy, and Member for Gregory Sean Dillon were in Thargomindah and Jundah last Friday and urged tourists to visit the region with school holidays and popular annual events, such as the Channel Country Music Muster and Jundah Camel Races approaching.

“Western Queenslanders are resilient but they are doing it tough right now, and we must all continue to support them as they get back on their feet,” Mr Crisafulli said in a press release.

“These communities have gone through heartache, but right now there is the most amazing bloom, the countryside is green and the people have a spring in their step.

“It’s the perfect time to come and visit this amazing part of the country.”

Quilpie was impacted by floods in March

Ms Leahy said western Queenslanders were resilient people.

“What we’ve seen in these flood-impacted communities over the past few months is the true heart of Queensland,” Ms Leahy said in a press release

“These are people looking out for each other, rolling up their sleeves and never giving up.

“The Crisafulli government will match the western Queensland spirit with continued support and lasting investment.”

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon called on tourists to visit the region.

“We continue to make trips to this region to ensure the councils, and the communities know that we have their back, even after the waters went away,” Mr Dillon said in a press release.

“The kaleidoscope of colours unfolding across our landscape right now is amazing to look at and this is a unique opportunity to visit western Queensland.

“There is no impediment to being here, the place is unlocked and ready to go, so come and visit this beautiful part of the world.”