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Call to boost government assistance in flood-ravaged Qld

The federal Member for Maranoa, Bruce Scott, says a broader government assistance package is needed for people affected by the floods in Queensland.

Mr Scott says an additional assistance package is needed for flood-affected residents and businesses.

The state and federal governments have already announced a range of grants and special payments.

Mr Scott's electorate takes in some of the worst-hit areas in the state's southern inland.

He says extra help is needed because for some residents it could be the last straw.

"We've got to do more than we've done in the past, because three years in a row is just going to tire the community out," he said.

"The small businesses ... already I've heard from some people who say, 'we don't want to go through this again, we may not start our businesses and we may leave'."

He says he is worried about those who do not have insurance.

"There are people who will not get anything out of this package except maybe $1,000," he said.

"There are people who haven't been unable to get insurance, because after three years in an area that's been flooded - you can imagine - insurance companies won't take them on."


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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