Record disaster recovery a boost for Queensland families

The biggest reconstruction effort in Australia’s history is now complete following the unprecedented natural disasters of 2011 and 2012.

 Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said the Queensland Government had worked closely with local councils to ensure the $8.3 billion reconstruction program was completed as quickly as possible, creating stronger communities across the state.

 “No Queenslander will ever forget the heartache caused by Tropical Cyclone Yasi and the south-east Queensland floods in 2011,” Mr Crisafulli said.

 “All 73 councils required disaster assistance with the damage estimate coming in around $6.8 billion.

 “Many communities suffered further flood damage in 2012 costing a further $1.5 billion.

 “Along with our strong plan for a new era of cooperation between the State and Local Government, has come a new era of delivery on the ground.

 “And we have seen the results, as monthly expenditure has hit record levels since the change of government, along with improved value for money.”

 Mr Crisafulli said all reconstruction works from 2011-12 covered by Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) needed to be finished by 30 June 2014.

 “While governments are often judged on the immediate aftermath of a disaster, it’s the weeks and months following that make or break a recovery,” he said.

 “We promised at the election to deliver better infrastructure and planning and we are doing as we said.”

 Approximate breakdown of council and Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) reconstruction programs:

• Far North Queensland     $0.8 billion
• North Queensland            $1.0 billion
• Central Queensland         $2.0 billion
• Southern Queensland       $2.6 billion
• South East Queensland    $1.2 billion
• In addition, more than $700 million was delivered by other Queensland Government agencies (non-DTMR agencies) throughout the State.

 Some reconstruction facts and figures:

• At the peak of reconstruction, more than $310 million was spent in a month (the equivalent of more than $10 million a day)
• The total cost of the combined 2011 and 2012 reconstruction program was the equivalent of building 29 Suncorp Stadiums. 
• The Department of Transport and Main Roads has repaired more than 7,200km of state-controlled roads from the 2011 and 2012 events, that’s the equivalent of driving from Brisbane to Cairns and back twice.
• Up to March 2012, $2.2 billion of the reconstruction program had been delivered.
• From March 2012 to 30 June 2014, a further $6.1 billion has been delivered.
• All 73 local council areas activated for NDRRA assistance following 2011 events, while 65 were activated for the 2012 events.
• The Queensland Reconstruction Authority processed more than 2500 applications for NDRRA restoration funding for the 2011 and 2012 programs.

[ENDS] 1 July 2014

 Media Contact: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627/ Emily McCowat 0418 524 028