THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT has issued an emergency planning declaration to enable deliveries of food, medicines and essential supplies from and into stores, warehouses and transport depots 24 hours a day.

The declaration comes as further flood watches were issued for northern, inland and central Queensland with already stricken areas such as Townsville and still-isolated Ingham forecast to receive up to 140mm and 50mm of rain today [6 February].

Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Jarrod Bleijie said he was enacting an Applicable Event across 11 affected Local Government Areas, to ensure food supply deliveries can occur at any time instead of only within the standard curfew.

The enactment of the Applicable Event also supports ongoing recovery efforts, providing an option for businesses to apply for a Temporary Use Licence. These licences recognise that businesses may need to innovate or change how they operate in unprecedented circumstances.

Recognising that staffing levels may affect the ability for state and Local Government employees to meet statutory timeframes, the Planning Minister has also declared an extension to some development assessment processes.

The Applicable Event will remain in place until 30 April 2025 unless revoked prior or extended.

The 11 Local Government Areas are Burdekin Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Charters Towers Regional Council, Etheridge Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, Tablelands Regional Council, Townsville City Council, Whitsundays Regional Council, and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council. Details are available on the Queensland Government website.

Separately, an $8 million Community Relief Fund, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, is now available to councils impacted by flooding and severe weather, to allow them to kick off essential and immediate recovery activities.

The Bruce Highway has again been the focus of politicians’ attention today, with further acknowledgement long-term reconstruction solutions must be found an implemented. Meanwhile the ADF is reported to be preparing to build a temporary bridge at the site of the Ollera Creek Bridge, on the highway north of Townsville, which partially collapse and washed away at the weekend.

Up-to-date information on road closures can be found at QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au