An online survey of 1268 Queensland adults between 18 June and 9 July, commissioned by the Local Government Association of Queensland, has found deep concern across the state.
Queensland councils have been raising the alarm on the Federal Government’s dud deal to provide less support for Queensland despite our communities living in Australia’s most natural disaster-prone state.
The Federal Government announced the proposed changes in June, which Queensland councils say are unfounded, unnecessary and potentially dangerous.
Queensland currently receives an average Commonwealth contribution of approximately 64 per cent under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with the Commonwealth contribution reaching up to 75 per cent for some disaster categories. The proposed framework would reduce this to 50 per cent, exposing Queensland communities to a funding gap.
The Federal Government also wants to increase the damage threshold a disaster needs to meet before it will step in to help, as well as introduce standardised recovery support packages.
A one-size fits all model like this would likely disadvantage Queensland’s highly diverse and decentralised communities – whose unique needs benefit from tailored local response and support.
LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett said Queenslanders were right to be concerned.
“The survey found 72 per cent of Queenslanders are concerned about potential reductions in Federal funding for Queensland's disaster relief efforts, including 24 per cent who are very concerned,” LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett said.
“As councils have been telling the Federal Government, Queenslanders are genuinely worried about the threat of Queensland missing out on the federal support it needs when it needs it most.
“Canberra receives 80 cents in every dollar of taxation, compared to our three cents, they have the deepest pockets so are best placed to shoulder the bulk of the financial burden when communities are smashed by Mother Nature.
“This would be incredibly unfair on many vulnerable communities in Queensland.
“As the peak body for the State’s 77 councils in Australia’s most disaster-prone state, we urge the Government to boost rather than cut disaster recovery funding.”
LGAQ chief executive officer Alison Smith said councils across Australia are strongly opposed to the proposed Federal Government cuts to disaster recovery funding.
“With Queensland's next disaster season just around the corner, the issue is a top priority for the state's councils,” she said.
“Councils are united in their opposition to the proposed Federal disaster recovery funding reforms.
“They are united in their appreciation of the existing arrangements, together with the current funding levels they bring and the strong partnership they have built between all three levels of government.”
For more information on this disaster of a deal, visit:
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Video grabs of LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett and LGAQ CEO, Alison Smith can be found .