QLD: Beattie to ask Canberra to help with damage bill

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-1999
QLD: Beattie to ask Canberra to help with damage bill

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE is planning to visit cyclone-ravaged north Queensland
early today.

Mr BEATTIE says Queensland's damage bill from the week's natural disasters will run into
millions of dollars, and he's asking the federal government for help.

He says he doesn't think the Commonwealth should leave the clean-up to the state.

Mr BEATTIE says Queensland will use money from the Treasurer's Advance Fund for natural
disasters, but Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has also indicated the federal government would be
willing to help.

Mr BEATTIE also says he may cancel next week's overseas trade mission if flooding
continues.

AAP RTV sls/lm/cmm/lm/mcm

KEYWORD: RONA BEATTIE (BRISBANE)

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