Scott demands disaster declaration

FEDERAL Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott has issued an ultimatum to Premier Anna Bligh to a issue an urgent natural disaster declaration for flood-affected regions of central and western Queensland

Mr Scott said this morning's disaster declaration for the flood-affected Mitchell township merely gave emergency services agencies and police the power of mandatory evacuations.

"It is certainly in the community's best interest for the police and emergency services to assist in evacuations if necessary, but the Premier and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts have failed to acknowledge the immediate and long-term effects of this flooding," he said.

"People across central and western Queensland have been unable to get to their workplaces for days because of the flooding; pastoral properties in the flood-affected regions have sustained significant damage to their properties and infrastructure.

"A natural disaster declaration for central and western Queensland's flood-affected regions would ensure these communities would be eligible for assistance through the Federal and State Governments' Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

"I urge the Premier to listen to my calls, and declare a natural disaster situation for the flood-affected regions of Central and Western Queensland."