PM Transcripts

F 77/ 279
I( LL
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 29 NOVEMBER 1977
DISASTER RELIEF,. QUEENSLAND
The Commonwealth Government has agreed to a request by the
Queensland Government for assistance under the Natural
Disasters Assistance Arrangements in respect of the granite
belt hailstorins, drought and the northern bush fires, all of,
which have recently been declared natural disasters by the
Queensland Government.
As with the drought relief proposals put forward recently by
the South Australian Government, the Commonwealth has acted
speedily and. syznpathe. tically to assist those affected by the
disasters. All producers affected will be eligible for carry-on loans at
concessional rates of interest.
Those affected by bush fire and drought will also receive
concessional loans for restocking and freight concessions
on the transport of stock and fodder.
The terms of the loans are a matter to be settled by the
Queensland Government. The Commonwealth will meet the full
cost above $ 2 million.
When natural disasters causing damage and destruction occur-in
a State, the Commonwealth stands ready to assist the State
financially under the Natural Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
The present assistance being given to Queensland and to South
Australia are examples of the way in which the Commonwealth
helps the States in such arrangements.