Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged tourists not to cancel trips to Queensland amidst flood aftermath.
Mr Albanese said the situation would worsen if tourists start withdrawing trips, especially for areas dependent upon visitors.
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“Today we’ll be announcing additional support for the tourism sector. And one of the things that I would say to your listeners out there is: if you have trips to this region booked, please come,” he said.
He said considerable support had been given in those heavily affected areas, with an army being sent to Far North Queensland.
“That’s the message of the tourism sector here. The impact of these devastating natural events and flooding will be made worse if people withdraw from these areas that are so dependent upon visitors,” he added.
In the coming days, Army CH-47F Chinook helicopters and a landing craft will ship supplies and engineering equipment to isolated communities in the Douglas, Cook, and Wujal regions north of Cairns.
The government will also apply for a new National Emergency Management Stockpile for the first time, aiming to provide temporary worker accommodation for emergency services and contractors near Bloomfield.
After Australian Defence Force personnel assisted in evacuations and transporting emergency services workers, Queensland has now requested the latest military assistance.
“Roads have been completely washed away, access is limited and communities have been isolated for weeks.”
On Wednesday morning, the region was again hit by severe thunderstorms and flash floods.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for parts of Ipswich, Logan, and the Scenic Rim early this morning.
Springfield Lakes, located south of Brisbane, experienced one of the most severe impacts, with a month’s worth of rainfall (131 millimetres) recorded in three hours until 7am.
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