Flood money for Fraser Coast

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

Council has received $81,954 from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program-Flood Response 2012-2013 to install flood warning systems on the Mary River, Tinana Creek and Saltwater Creek.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said its vital work gets underway as soon as possible.

“This money will allow Council to capture rainfall and river level data so they can plan evacuations around road closures sooner,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The data will be sent to the Bureau of Meteorology to help them better forecast any potential flooding.”

An ancillary community radio network will also be installed in 13 locations across the region to help with planning and recovery.

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