$4.5 million for cyclone repairs in Longreach: Fraser

November 6 2006

$4.5 million for cyclone repairs in Longreach: Fraser

Longreach Shire will receive $4.5 million in State Government natural disaster funding to cover the costs of emergency repairs following Tropical Cyclone Monica, which devastated parts of Far North Queensland earlier this year.

Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser said Longreach Shire was faced with a huge task of repairing roads throughout the area, which were damaged by localised flooding.

“The damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Monica was significant in inland areas as well as on the coast,” Mr Fraser said.

“More than 50 roads in the Shire were affected by flooding and required repairs to replace gravel and fix sections which were washed away.

“It was and is vital to get these roads repaired as quickly as possible to ensure minimal disruption for the Shire’s residents and tourists.”

Mr Fraser said the repair bill for the works was always going to be too high for council to fund through its own budget.

“Restoration work after natural disasters is not a financial burden that ratepayers are expected to pick up.

“This is a massive clean-up operation and I congratulate the council for its work to date,” he said

The funding was granted under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements program, a joint State and Commonwealth Government initiative.

Since 1998, the Queensland Government has provided Longreach Shire Council with more than $16 million in Local Government and Planning portfolio grants.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874