The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed new funding of up to $200 million for disaster prevention and resilience.
LGAQ Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith, said the Emergency Response Fund Amendment (Disaster Ready Fund) Bill 2022 introduced to Parliament in Canberra, would help get money flowing for critical work across Queensland council areas.
“Many Queensland councils have millions of dollars worth of disaster resilience projects ready to proceed but are being hamstrung by lack of adequate funding available,” Ms Smith said.
“Getting money flowing from the Federal Government’s Emergency Response Fund is a big step in the right direction for communities in Queensland, Australia’s most disaster-prone state.
“Spending that can help mitigate the impacts of events such as flooding, cyclone damage and bushfires is an absolute necessity.
“We are looking forward to seeing up to $200 million a year from the national fund go towards prevention measures such as flood levees, sea walls, cyclone shelters, evacuation centres, fire breaks and telecommunications improvements.
“Councils know what needs to be done to reduce the disaster risks in their communities and have shovel-ready projects in place, but they simply can’t move without dedicated funding to get their projects off the ground.”
