19 March 2025
Federal Member for Herbert Phil Thompson Welcomes Disaster Relief Win for Townsville
Federal Member for Herbert, Phil Thompson, called the Federal Government’s decision to finally extend blanket disaster recovery relief across all of Townsville—after he had written to the Prime Minister demanding full coverage—a win for Townsville, calling it a hard-fought victory for locals like Marissa Tones.
“Back in February, I got a desperate call about Marissa—a wheelchair-bound mother with cerebral palsy whose unit was swamped by floodwater. She was stuck with her electric wheelchair and bed at risk. Thanks to some veteran mates, we got her out and into a hotel. But it’s a disgrace she wasn’t covered for disaster relief until now,” Mr Thompson said.
“I wrote to Labor’s Emergency Management Minister weeks ago, and to the Prime Minister several days ago, demanding Townsville get full coverage under the disaster funding. For too long, Labor dragged their feet while families like Marissa’s suffered. She had mould ruining everything—clothes, furniture—and no help from Canberra. Meanwhile, down south, they rolled out full funding before the rain even stopped. It’s been so unfair and Labor completely botched this one for us.
“Marissa’s in a new place now, safe and mould-free, and she’ll finally get the support she deserves to replace her precious things. Every flood-hit family in Townsville can too,” Mr Thompson said.
Marissa Tones, Aitkenvale Resident, expressed her gratitude for Phillip Thompson’s support.
“It’s really good because people can have their things replaced, their precious things. People have been through enough and it took too long to get this money. Thanks to Phil, I can replace my things,” she said.
Mr Thompson added, “We didn’t stop pushing—unlike the Prime Minister who just swooped in for a photo opp—and that’s why we’re here now.
“I am extremely grateful to every single person who has contacted me over the past six weeks. Your continued support on this issue meant we could keep beating the drum until it turned into a roar that Labor’s Canberra-focused Government simply couldn’t ignore any longer,” Mr Thompson said.
