The Queensland government has released new emergency planning declarations that allow essential businesses in north and Far North Queensland to continue 24-hour re-supplies.
The supply chain will keep moving courtesy of a rule that allows transport depots, warehouses and supermarkets to operate around the clock.
The disaster recovery rules come after the region has been hit with floods over the past week that have closed key freight routes such as the Bruce Highway.
Queensland’s deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has allowed transport depots in 11 government areas to be temporarily work 24/7, saying it’s necessary to ensure essential businesses can restock supplies around the clock.
“Getting food and essential supplies to impacted communities is a top priority for the Queensland government,” Bleijie says.
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“I’ve briefed the Queensland Disaster Management Committee of this emergency planning declaration.
“The declaration means specific businesses can re-supply around the clock to deliver vital goods and services to Queenslanders, as part of recovery efforts.
“I am enacting an Applicable Event across the 11 affected Local Government Areas, to ensure food supply deliveries can occur at any time instead of only within the standard curfew.
“I am personally working directly with Mayors to ensure we can continue to respond to local needs.”
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 April 30 unless revoked prior or extended.
The 11 LGAs that have received this allowance include:
- 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
- Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
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