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A second emergency planning declaration has been signed off by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie today, in a move that allows more Local Government Areas (LGA’s) to operate around the clock to ensure shops can restock their shelves.

Another 18 LGA’s have been added to the emergency planning declaration list today, in a bid to sustain the food supply chain in flood affected regions in Far North Queensland, North Queensland and Northwest Queensland.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning said shops, warehouses and transport deports will be able to operate 24/7 to ensure more supplies hit the shelves for Queenslanders to access.

“29 Local Government Areas across Queensland now have an Applicable Event declaration,” Mr Bleijie said.

“This declaration will allow more regions more time to get critical supplies back on the shelves.

“As the flooding situation continues to evolve, grocery suppliers are investigating all options via road, sea and air.

“Supporting the community to access the resources it needs is critical for recovery efforts.

“I want to thank all the volunteers, SES crews, truck drivers, logistics staff, supermarket chains, government agencies and Mayors that have worked around the clock to ensure supplies get into flood affected regions.

“The job is far from finished, but Queenslanders know the State Government will continue to throw everything at this flooding disaster.”

The declaration 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.