Australia is open for business following the floods in southern Queensland and the cyclone that affected parts of the tropical north. Tourists are enjoying a warm Aussie welcome and are experiencing the stunning beaches, reef and rainforests of Queensland as part of their Australian holiday.

In the areas that are still affected, Working Holiday Visa holders are being encouraged to assist with reconstruction efforts by volunteering their time. If the volunteer work falls under the definition of ‘specified work’ and is conducted within an eligible part of regional Australia, it can count towards the 88 days of work that visa holders must undertake in order to be eligible for a second Working Holiday Visa.

Examples of construction work that qualify as ‘specified work’ include demolition of buildings, trench digging, earth moving and residential and non residential repairs.

There are also paid work opportunities in these areas which would also help secure a Working Holiday Visa extension.

In addition the government has announced fast-track processing of 457 visa applications specifically for reconstruction jobs in flood-affected areas, providing quick access to skilled labour from overseas where local supply is insufficient. Under the programme, a wide variety of skilled construction and engineering occupations are available for sponsorship.

“The response to the floods in the UK and Ireland has been inspiring,” said Rodney Harrex, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager UK/Northern Europe.

“As an Australian, it has been incredible to see the support that British and Irish people have shown to those affected.

“Australia is a huge country and although the flooding was on a significant scale, most of the country is open for business with tourism operations running normally. Even the day after the worst of the flooding in Brisbane, people were enjoying the beaches on the Gold Coast – just an hour’s drive away.

“The best way to support the country now is to come and holiday here.

“We have had a few enquiries from backpackers asking how they can get involved with the reconstruction effort in the areas still affected, and we encourage them to look on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for the full details of the Working Holiday Visa.

“This is a great way to support the reconstruction effort, explore the country and sample the Aussie lifestyle,” he said.