Queensland announces tourism relief package as disaster cleanup unfolds

Premier Steven Miles has announced a multi-million-dollar relief package in the meantime he hopes will bring tourists back to some affected areas, and ease the pain of economic losses.

Stock photograph shows tourists sunbaking at the "Lagoon" situated on the esplanade in Cairns, Far North Queensland. Source: AAP / AAP Image/Lloyd Jones

Key Points

• A joint state and federal funding package to the value of $5million will provide discount flights and accommodation for the Cairns and Port Douglas regions, in a bid to encourage tourists to return.
• The Queensland government says the recovery from natural disasters in the state's far north and southeast will cost more than two billion dollars.
• More than 60,000 people across the state have already received $11 million in government financial assistance.