SES subsidies a boost for councils and volunteers in Far North Queensland

Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) has issued its annual grants to help fund the costs of running State Emergency Service groups, Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said today.

EMQ has distributed more than $530,000 to 152 local councils right around the State, including $126,830 to councils in Far North Queensland. A list of recipients is below.

Mr Purcell said the subsidies help Councils fund SES units and groups to implement their disaster management programs. Each council receives a base figure of $3000, with extra funding received depending on the number of units/groups in their area.

In addition to the annual grants EMQ also provides equipment and training on an ongoing basis.

Mr Purcell thanked local councils for their ongoing contribution to the operation of the SES around the State.

“The State Emergency Service has a vital role in Queensland’s disaster management system.

“SES volunteers have repeatedly shown their dedication to assisting others in a time of crisis. Earlier this year hundreds of volunteers assisted with the Tropical Cyclone Larry relief operation.

“SES volunteers do a great job responding to disasters and assisting other emergency services personnel. They tarp homes and clear roads after major storms, conduct search and rescue operations on land and water and from the air, assist at the scene of major accidents, and perform road accident rescues, to name but a few.

“These volunteers consistently show the great Queensland spirit of pitching in to help others in a time of need,” Mr Purcell concluded.

Media contact: Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.

Far North Queensland recipients:

Atherton Shire Council, $3300

Aurukun Shire Council, $3300

Badu Island Council, $3300

Bamaga Island Council, $3300

Boigu Island Council, $3300

Cardwell Shire Council, $3740

Cairns City Council, $4840

Cook Shire Council, $3630

Croydon Shire Council, $3300

Darnley Island Council, $3300

Dauan Island Council, $3300

Douglas Shire Council, $3740

Eacham Shire Council, $3630

Etheridge Shire Council, $3300

HammondIsland Council, $3300

Herberton Shire Council, $3520

Hopevale Aboriginal Council, $3300

Johnstone Shire Council, $3520

Kowanyama Shire Council, $3300

Kubin Island Council, $3300

Lockhart River Shire Council, $3300

Mabuaig Island Council, $3300

Mareeba Shire Council, $3850

Marray Island Council, $3300

Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, $3300

Pourma Island Council, $3300

Saibai Island Council, $3300

Seisia Island Council, $3300

St Pauls Island Council, $3300

Stephen Island Council, $3300

Torres Shire Council, $3630

Warraber Island Community Council, $3300

WeipaTownship Office, $3630

Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council, $3300

Yam Island Council, $3300

Yarrabah Shire Council, $3300

Yorke Island Council, $3300