Shops, warehouses and transport depots in 11 North and Far North Queensland local government areas (LGA) will now be able to temporarily operate around the clock.
Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Jarrod Bleijie said this emergency planning declaration is necessary to ensure essential businesses can restock supplies 24-hours a day.
“Getting food and essential supplies to impacted communities is a top priority for the Crisafulli Government,” Bleijie said today.
“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.”
The access will remain in place until April 30, unless revoked prior, or extended.
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 11 LGA 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
- Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
The federal government announced yesterday that the army is to build a temporary single-lane bridge over Ollera Creek after the existing Bruce Highway crossing was washed away, but it won’t be able to accommodate trucks.