Flood money for Gold Coast

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

Council has received $208,400 from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program-Flood Response 2012-2013 to flood proof the sewerage treatment ponds and raise the pump station.

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

“This money will allow Council to map the flow of floodwater over 307 local catchments and plan for future stormwater upgrades,” Mr Crisafulli said.

The project will include high resolution modelling to identify areas at high and low risk of flooding.

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