3.47PM: Financial assistance

A reminder Douglas Shire residents can apply for financial following the impact of Ex Tropical cyclone Jasper and the following flood events. Please visit www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp for further information.

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2.03PM: Douglas Shire Federal Government assistance

The Federal Government has just released grants and financial packages for people in the Douglas Shire and other areas that need financial assistance following the impacts of Jasper and the flood. Click here for more details: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/13576

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1.59PM: Wonga Beach water latest

Newsport understands that lack of water continues to be a major issue at Wonga Beach. There is no set timeframe on when locals will have readily available water, with one source telling us 'it remains a big concern'.

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1.58PM: Douglas Shire water latest

Newsport understands that readily available tap water won't be available until tomorrow after now, and not mid morning as first announced by Douglas Shire Council.

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1.45PM: Just moments ago Newsport Editor Michael Warren had an exclusive chat with QLD Police Inspector Don McKay, from his disaster coordination point in Mossman about the ongoing and unfolding mission to assist Douglas Shire residents with fuel, water, power, supplies, medication and other matters.

He revealed exclusively to Newsport that:

• The Mulligan Highway between Mt Molloy and Mareeba remains closed to the general public. There is no estimation on when this will re-open. As it stands, one lane is open to emergency personnel only to escort essentials to the Douglas Shire.
• The Mossman Mt Molloy Rd between Port Douglas and Mt Molloy is only open to emergency services crews after being cleared of debris and rubbish.
• There is a huge Police focus currently on the Daintree. There are two separate strategies currently happening regarding the Daintree. First, Police are travelling to the Daintree by boat, to deliver essential items such as medications, water, food and other items. This is ongoing.
• Second, choppers are coming and going from Port Douglas to the Daintree to also issue medication, food and water to local residents.
• There is a HUGE effort at present to form a strategy around delivering fuel to Daintree residents, so locals have power, light and fridges to keep drinks and food cold.
• Police also want to keep reassuring the local community that they are listening and they are doing everything they can to bring some comfort to Daintree residents.
• This is an ongoing mission that will continue for weeks and months into the Daintree.

“The resilience shown by Douglas Shire residents has been unbelievable,” Qld Police inspector Don McKay told Newsport just moments ago.

“The strength of local residents should be applauded, we’ve heard of locals risking their lives to save others, fundraisers and just amazing community spirit over the past few days.

“We will continue to work hard to restore normal life back to the Douglas Shire.”

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1.26PM: Simon George, Sons are due to arrive in Port Douglas any minute now by boat to deliver rescue food packages to Douglas Shire hotels, residents

Simon George and Sons have hired a vessel to transport fresh produce to deliver food packages to Port Douglas hotels and restaurants.

The trawler is expected to arrive into Port Douglas right about now, 1.30PM QLD time.

Simon George and Sons also told Newsport they are donating fresh fruits and vegetable to the Port Douglas community services network for distribution to those that need help in the community. 

Welcome into Port Douglas you absolute legends! thanks for your amazing work!