22 August 2014
Australia provides additional $2 million for Solomon Islands flood recovery effort
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Brett Mason, today announced Australia will provide an additional $2 million to assist ongoing recovery efforts following April’s devastating floods in Solomon Islands.
The disaster claimed 23 lives, displaced thousands and inflicted widespread damage to local infrastructure, including critical bridges and roads.
Senator Mason made the announcement while delivering a keynote address to business leaders and Solomon Islands Government ministers at the Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane.
“I visited Solomon Islands days after the disaster and saw firsthand how Australian support was helping to relieve suffering and contribute to the repair of essential infrastructure,” said Senator Mason. “Now we want to support Solomon Islanders recovery from the economic impact of the floods by helping to restore commercial activity in Honiara and surrounding areas.”
The further $2 million will contribute to the repair of flood-damaged roads and bridges in Honiara and across Guadalcanal Province. Funds will be delivered through the Solomon Islands National Transport Fund and bring Australia’s total financial support for the flood recovery effort to $7 million.
Australia provided initial emergency relief in April, followed by early recovery assistance including medical, water and sanitation, shelter and livelihoods support.
Media enquiries
Parliamentary Secretary's Office: (02) 6277 3756
Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555