Flood money for Rockhampton

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

Council has received $480,000 from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program-Flood Response 2012-2013 to connect a second constant power supply to the Rockhampton Airport so the Capricorn Rescue Helicopter Service can continue to operate during severe weather events.

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

“The money will safeguard the supply of electricity to the airport and prevent it from closing during if one power supply goes down,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“This means the rescue service can continue to use the airport as a staging area for emergency responses which is crucial because of its close proximity to the region’s largest hospital.”

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