Another $1.32 million for Tropical Cyclone Larry clean up: Fraser

Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser today announced the latest package of funding for emergency works following Tropical Cyclone Larry, which devastated Far North Queensland in March.

Mr Fraser said four councils in the state’s north would share in more than $1.32 million which would be put to use ensuring each shire could restore facilities to their original state before Larry blew across the coast.

Mr Fraser said Cairns, Mareeba, Herberton and Cook Councils will receive $690,217, $103,483, $280,742 and $253,683 respectively, for the cost of repairs and restoration.

“The Far North councils hit by Larry have done a great job methodically working through their regions repairing roads, traffic signs, bus shelters, parks, public toilets, footpaths, drains, water and sewerage systems,” Mr Fraser said.

“There was the immediate emergency work that was needed to make sure people could continue on with their daily lives, such as getting roads open, getting power back on and repairing water and sewerage systems.

“And then there has been the long-term work, to restore and repair all council assets back to their original state.

“This was always going to be a massive clean-up effort and it was immediately evident the clean up wasn’t going to happen overnight.

“Collectively the seven far north councils have spent more than $24.4 million cleaning up after Larry and repairing damaged assets.

“The cost of the restoration work was always going to be far too great for councils to carry alone, which is why the State Government has already contributed $23.2 million or 95% of the restoration costs.”

The latest funding for emergency work and restoration of assets in Cairns, Mareeba, Herberton and Cook comes on top of money already paid.

The attached table sets out the amount of money spent so far on repair works and the contributions by the State Government and local councils.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor (07) 3227 8825
October 6 2006