Canberra lends hand to cyclone-hit Qld

FEDERAL RESPONSE TO CYCLONE DEBBIE:

* Australian Defence Force joint task force set up, largely comprising personnel from Townsville-based 3rd Brigade

* Brigadier Chris Field, who led 2011 flood reconstruction, appointed recovery co-ordinator

* HMAS Choules landing ship ready to provide assistance

* RAAF airlift aircraft and hospital helicopters, crewed by medical and counselling personnel and rescue teams

* Army engineering units ready to clear roads and navy personnel to clear harbour debris

* Government to work with banks and insurers to ensure claims are treated properly

* Mobile government assistance bus and call centre

* Support for pharmacists to maintain supplies of medicines and ensure lost or damaged prescriptions can be filled

* Two federal emergency management assistance experts embedded with Queensland authorities

* Post-cyclone, natural disaster recovery and relief arrangements to allow the reimbursement of up to 75 per cent of state spending.