Media Release
Thursday 10 January, 2013
LGAQ supports push to build disaster resilience
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed the Queensland Government's push for continued federal funding for the Floodplain Security Scheme.
Acting Premier Jeff Seeney said the Federal Minister had reneged on a promise to provide funding.
LGAQ President Margaret de Wit said it is unacceptable for the Federal Government to sideline the very real needs of high risk Queensland communities.
LGAQ President Margaret de Wit said it is unacceptable for the Federal Government to sideline the very real needs of high risk Queensland communities.
"So far we have had a flood-free season, however that doesn't mean the issues are any less urgent," said Cr de Wit.
"We need smarter solutions – some commonsense quite frankly - and focussing on building resilience is key to that.
"Federal support for mitigation works, under the Natural Disaster Resilience Scheme, has certainly been welcomed – however we need an ongoing commitment.
"Under a 2:2:1 funding formula - with $40 million coming from the State and Federal Governments, and $20 million from local government – we'll have a $100 million dollar way forward to make some meaningful change through appropriate infrastructure, such as levees."
"Large amounts of money are spent scrambling to protect and clean up communities when disasters like floods, cyclones and bushfires hit, and regional economies have to endure costly disruption.
"It is a key platform of our 10 Point Policy Plan, and ahead of the next Federal Election we will be vigourously pursuing a commitment to review existing disaster management and disaster relief programs to provide more emphasis on mitigation for as well as recovery.
Federal Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has described the scheme as "an unfunded election promise of Premier Newman," said there was never a Commonwealth promise to fund it.
"Local councils aren't interested in the politics of this – local councils want to protect their people.
"These communities are crying out for the tools needed to avoid this all too regular heartbreak and disruption."
