Media Release
Drought Bus hits the road to help flood victims
21 January 2008
The Australian Government’s Drought Bus will be deployed to flood-affected Queensland to ensure locals have access to assistance, Minister for Human Services Senator Joe Ludwig said today.
“We need to ensure people can have access to the best available assistance whether they are in drought or flood,” said Senator Ludwig.
“The Drought Bus is a mobile office and communications centre which has specialist staff on board, making it an ideal resource to be deployed during an emergency such as the Queensland floods.”
“The bus is expected to arrive in Charleville tomorrow, providing immediate relief to local Centrelink staff who have been working from the local Neighbourhood Centre because of water damage to the local office,” Senator Ludwig said.
Senator Ludwig said staff on the bus will be able to provide general Centrelink assistance and professional help as well as information about Drought Assistance.
“The region is still declared to be in Exceptional Circumstances, which means farmers continue to have access to drought assistance. In some cases, heavy rain falling on such hardened land can cause further problems for farmers, especially if the topsoil is washed away.”
“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the long-term livelihood of these communities, long after the current flood waters have receded.”
Senator Ludwig also said Centrelink staff are working alongside the Queensland Government and community agencies in flood-affected areas to support people impacted by the flooding.
“This is a difficult time for everyone affected and Centrelink staff on the ground will be doing all they can to offer assistance,” Senator Ludwig said.
“I pay tribute to both Centrelink staff and to the excellent work of state emergency services personnel and volunteers on the ground.”
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