Victoria boost for Queensland flood aid

Victoria and NSW have both pledged a $1 million helping hand for Queensland's flood
appeal.
Moments after the NSW government announced a $1 million donation on Sunday,
Victoria's Premier Ted Baillieu matched the offer, saying his state was also proud
to play its part in the recovery.
Mr Baillieu said he had been in regular contact with Queensland Premier Anna Bligh
as he offered whatever assistance Victoria was able to provide.
A cheque for $800,000 will be sent to stricken Queensland after an initial
contribution of $200,000 was announced last week, he said.
"We farewelled 20 SES volunteers and three staff who left for Queensland on Thursday
last week, adding to the five who had flown up the previous weekend," Mr Baillieu
said in a statement on Sunday.
"Another four staff left on Friday to join their colleagues who have been helping in
the recovery process and help Queensland families get back on their feet after the
immense damage caused by the floods.
"Queenslanders have made a huge contribution to help Victorians who have been the
victims of natural disasters in years gone by, and lending a helping hand in their
time of need is the right thing to do."
The announcement came as NSW Acting Premier Carmel Tebbutt urged other states to
donate.
"This is a huge effort we all need to make to help our neighbours in Queensland,"
she told the Nine Network.
"We know our neighbours to the north are enduring some terribly tough times, some of
the worst floods in Queensland's history.
"The NSW government wants to help with our $1 million and we call on other states to
match us."
Donations to the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal can be made online at
www.qld.gov.au/floods.
Donations can also be made in person at any branch of the Commonwealth Bank, NAB,
Westpac, ANZ, BOQ, Suncorp, St George Bank or BankSA, or at Coles supermarkets.