Flood money for Townsville

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

Council has received $228,800 from the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program-Flood Response 2012-2013 to upgrade and extend signage at the Glendale Drive Floodway in Annandale.

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

“This project will see wireless warning signs installed at three critical locations in Annandale to warn motorists about the road closure and ease traffic congestion,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“While a bridge would be the ideal solution, it would be extremely costly.

“This is a more cost-effective way for council to save motorists the frustration of having to turn around when they discover the road is flooded.”

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