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Northwest Qld still isolated by floods

7th January 2009

flickr.com/etohaholic

TOWNS in northwestern Queensland remain isolated by floodwaters the day after the State Government allocated millions in disaster funding to the region.

More than 57mm of rain fell on the mining centre of Mt Isa in the 24 hours to 9am (AEST) on Wednesday. Mt Isa has been cut off by floodwaters since Sunday.

The State Emergency Service (SES) answered more than 20 calls for help.

Rail services to the city have reopened but many roads are still out.

Several towns, including Julia Creek, Cloncurry, Burketown, Doomadgee, Gregory Downs, Urandanji, McKinlay and Georgetown, are also completely isolated.

The main freight route between Mt Isa and Darwin, the Barkly Highway, is expected to be closed for three weeks.

Flood warnings are in place for the Georgina and Burke rivers, as well as the Gregory, the Nicholson, the Flinders and the Leichhardt.

Emergency Services have urged people not to try to drive through flooded causeways or across flooded bridges.

Acting Queensland Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser on Tuesday announced disaster relief funding for the region, estimating the damage bill would run to $12 million.

Most of the damage was still confined to public infrastructure, predominantly roads, he said.

Mount Isa, Carpentaria, Flinders, Boulia and Richmond shires are eligible for joint State and Commonwealth funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

On Monday, NDRRA funding was activated for Burke, Cloncurry, and McKinlay shire councils.

Personal hardship grants of $165 a person and up to $765 a family are available for residents directly impacted.

Those affected by the flooding can contact the Department of Communities for help, on 1800 173 349.

© AAP

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