Cyclone Larry update

The Queensland Government has extended the State of Emergency linked to Cyclone Larry until 1st April 2006. The Australian Defence Force is helping to restore vital services in the impacted area and has been distributing fresh food and clean water, clearing debris, erecting emergency shelter and providing specialist tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians.

Emergency support for the region is being coordinated by a Combat Services Support Battalion at Innisfail Showgrounds, providing:

* Health care,
* Environmental advice,
* Fresh food and purified water as well as testing local supplies,
* Tarpaulins,
* Bath and shower facilities,
* Up to 500 beds.

Small businesses in the areas affected by Cyclone Larry are being encouraged to apply for assistance from the Cyclone Larry Small Business Assistance Fund.

The Fund will provide one-off tax-free grants of $10,000 for existing small and home-based businesses, including farmers and tourism operators adversely affected by the cyclone.

The aim of the grants is to help small business people and farmers to defray expenses associated with, for example, restocking, replanting, re-establishment and clean-up assistance.

The Fund will be delivered by Centrelink, who will be able to help people to apply for payment. Centrelink can be contacted directly, by telephone on 180 2002 or www.centrelink.gov.au

•Date: 30th March 2006• Region: Australia • Type: Article •Topic: DR general
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