The peak body representing Queensland councils has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to co-fund a $741 million natural disaster resilience package.
The raft of measures incorporates council-suggested initiatives, such as house raising and voluntary buy-backs.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO, Alison Smith, said councils stand ready to activate the measures contained in the package.
“Councils across Queensland will breathe a sigh of relief today, with the Federal and State governments having put politicking aside so people living in flood-affected communities can get on with re-building their lives,” Ms Smith said.
“With more than 4,000 flood-damaged homes in urgent need of re-building following our calamitous summer of natural disasters, councils are ready to roll their sleeves up and get on with the next phase of recovery and resilience building.
“The aftermath of deadly natural disasters is not the place for political argy-bargy between different levels of government, and there is no time to waste in releasing this funding so re-building can get underway as soon as possible.”
Ms Smith again urged the Federal Government to similarly co-fund upgrades to Queensland’s unreliable rain and river gauge network.
“With the State and Federal governments finding common ground on natural disaster resilience, surely that consensus can also flow to bolster disaster prevention?” Ms Smith said.
“A full upgrade of Queensland’s early flood warning detection network, including 89 extra river height stations and an additional 364 rainfall stations, will – literally – be a lifesaver.
“This vital network is currently not fit-for-purpose and at-risk communities are not getting timely, accurate information when they need it most.
“Every Queensland community contributes to the national economy, and every one of them deserves to be a liveable one.”
The Queensland Government has committed to contributing half of the funding needed for the network’s asset replacements, plus 50 per cent of ongoing costs for the network’s operation and maintenance.
For more information:
Tim Cox
Communications Advisor
Phone: 0436 655 409
Local Government Association of Queensland