Feds should fund Floodplain Security Scheme
Published Wednesday, 09 January, 2013 at 04:34 PM
Acting Premier
The Honourable Jeff Seeney
Federal Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon should commit to Commonwealth funding for Queensland’s floodplain security or explain to flood affected communities why she won’t.
Acting Premier Jeff Seeney said the Federal Minister had reneged on a promise to provide funding for the state’s Floodplain Security Scheme for mitigation works to reduce the risk for Queensland communities.
“It seems all we’re seeing is the Federal Labor Government denying Queensland critical funding – first health, now flood mitigation,” Mr Seeney said.
“It’s irresponsible for the Federal Minister not to invest in the scheme, when we all witnessed the devastation of the 2010-11 floods across the state.
“The Newman Government has committed $40 million towards the scheme and the Federal Government should do the same.
“The Federal Minister clearly does not understand the benefits this funding will have in carrying out work that can save all levels of government significant amounts following future flood events.”
The Acting Premier said the Floodplain Security Scheme should be funded on a 2:2:1 basis, with the Newman Government to contribute $40 million and local governments $20 million.
“We will continue to lobby the Federal Government to secure these critical funds to boost the scheme to $100 million.”
[ENDS] 9 January 2013
Media contact: Kate Haddan – 0418 373 516
Acting Premier Jeff Seeney said the Federal Minister had reneged on a promise to provide funding for the state’s Floodplain Security Scheme for mitigation works to reduce the risk for Queensland communities.
“It seems all we’re seeing is the Federal Labor Government denying Queensland critical funding – first health, now flood mitigation,” Mr Seeney said.
“It’s irresponsible for the Federal Minister not to invest in the scheme, when we all witnessed the devastation of the 2010-11 floods across the state.
“The Newman Government has committed $40 million towards the scheme and the Federal Government should do the same.
“The Federal Minister clearly does not understand the benefits this funding will have in carrying out work that can save all levels of government significant amounts following future flood events.”
The Acting Premier said the Floodplain Security Scheme should be funded on a 2:2:1 basis, with the Newman Government to contribute $40 million and local governments $20 million.
“We will continue to lobby the Federal Government to secure these critical funds to boost the scheme to $100 million.”
[ENDS] 9 January 2013
Media contact: Kate Haddan – 0418 373 516