Disaster coordination facility works underway on Tableland

Tablelands communities will soon be better protected from natural disasters and better prepared for emergencies, with works officially beginning on the new Community Education, Training and Disaster Coordination Facility.

 The project is made possible through almost $2.75 million from the $60 million 2017-19 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP).

 In turning the first sod, Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the benefits of the facility would be felt for years to come.

 “When it’s finished, this facility will be state-of-the-art and properly equipped to coordinate disaster and emergency operations, particularly in times of natural disaster,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

 “As well as the obvious benefit of providing greater protection for the community, the multi-use facility will also be a focal point for educating and training in areas such as first aid skills and business continuity.

 “On top of that, this project will have a positive impact on local families and the economy even before it opens, with the construction set to support more than 12 local jobs.

 “Importantly, the worth of this facility will be felt far beyond the Tablelands Regional Council boundaries because it will also enable the council to provide increased support to neighbouring councils in times of disaster.”

 In joining Mr Hinchliffe, Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Joe Paronella said the benefits wouldn’t be limited to just disaster management uses.

 “The community will also have access to the facility for other local group meetings and training and educational events and programs,” Mayor Paronella said.

 “We thank the State Government for its contribution towards a project that not only meets the community’s needs but will also help the Tablelands region become even more liveable.”

 The LGGSP is designed to support councils to meet the needs of their community by providing funding for the delivery of priority capital infrastructure projects.

For more information: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/lggsp

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548