Queensland 'on road to recovery'

Queensland's recovery has taken giant strides forward after a summer of floods and Cyclone Yasi, Premier Anna Bligh says.

Bligh, who is also the Minister for Reconstruction, told Parliament that since the natural disasters, A$29.7 million ($40.06 million) had been paid out through the state's personal hardship assistance scheme to help Queenslanders fix damaged homes.

Grants have also been paid to 3042 businesses and 3000 primary producers and more than A$8.9 million has been given to sporting groups for repairs and sporting equipment.

Donations to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal have exceeded A$250 million and so far A$55 million has been allocated for round one payments to about 30,000 Queenslanders, Bligh said.

More than 172 applications for round-two payments have been made by people whose homes were destroyed and cannot be rebuilt.

"In the short period since the flood waters receded and since Cyclone Yasi blew inland and dissipated we have already taken giant strides forward," Bligh said.

She said funding had also been flowing to councils at record rates, with 44 councils sharing A$387 million so far.

PROGRESS REPORT

DAMAGED
* 9000km of state-owned roads.
* 4750km of rail lines.

RESTORED
* 6800km of roads repaired.
* 4200km of rail lines repaired.

- AAP