Flood money for Carpentaria

Two years after record rains wreaked havoc across Queensland, the Newman Government has announced funding for Carpentaria Shire Council to strengthen the community’s defences against floods.

Council has received $215,000 from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program-Flood Response 2012-2013 to install digital cameras at river crossings and automatic flood gauging stations.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said it’s vital work gets underway as soon as possible.

“This money will allow Council to position five solar powered satellite cameras at flood-prone river crossings and to improve safety for motorists,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The region’s two main townships are frequently isolated during the wet season and these projects will give Council the ability to warn residents early and share the information with nearby councils.”

Council will also install six automatic flood gauging stations at Yapper River, Walkers Creek, Staaten River, Mitchell River, Saxby River and Gilbert River.

Councils across the State will share in $13.4 million this year to deliver the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

It is the first instalment of a $40 million fund to be rolled out over the next three years.

“The state’s 73 councils are in the best position to deliver what’s needed to protect their communities against future floods.

“We’ll do our bit to help them by getting the money from this year’s budget out to them as soon as possible,” Mr Crisafulli said.

 “In a state like Queensland, no one can afford to be complacent about preventing damage from natural disasters.

“It’s not a matter of “If” there’s the next big flood; it’s a matter of being prepared when it happens.”

[ENDS] 26 November, 2012

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332

                            Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627