MORE THAN $6 MILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND HERITAGE PROJECTS

A total of more than $6 million in funding has been announced today to help Far North Queensland councils repair assets damaged by Cyclone Larry, including roads and heritage listed properties.

Premier Peter Beattie and Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser announced four councils would share in $5.6 million under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements Program to help pay the repair bills for damaged infrastructure.

On top of that, Mr Beattie said three councils would share $427,787 under the Rural Living Infrastructure Program to help repair local heritage listed properties.

Mr Beattie said the funding would enable Cairns City, Herberton and Johnstone Shire councils to meet shortfalls between insurance payouts and the actual repair costs for the buildings which are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

“Queensland’s heritage buildings are a source of local pride and history and my Government is helping these councils protect them,” Mr Beattie said.

“The funding will ensure heritage places in the State’s far north are not lost forever,” he said.

Where heritage properties are not owned by the local council, funds will be distributed through councils to the property owners after they obtain the relevant approvals from the Queensland Heritage Council.

Properties to receive funding are:
• State Hotel (Cairns) - $245,000 to Cairns City Council to cover costs of repairs to the hotel’s roof, verandas and extensive water damage;
• Former St Andrews Church (Innisfail) - $137,787 to Johnstone Shire Council to repair extensive damage to the roof, windows, tiles and stairway as well as damaged interior;
• Great Northern Mine (Herberton) - $25,000 to Herberton Shire Council to repair damaged sheds;
• McCowat Farmhouse (Garradunga) - $20,000 to Johnstone Shire Council to repair the roof, veranda floor, staircase and vintage glass windows.

Mr Fraser said funding approved under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements included:
• $1.7 million for the Cardwell Shire Council
• $1.88 million for the Eacham Shire Council
• $1.9 million for the Johnstone Shire Council
• $132,950 for the Herberton Shire Council

“Cyclone Larry was the first severe tropical cyclone to cross near a populated section of the east coast of Queensland since Rona in 1999, and its impact was devastating,’’ Mr Fraser said.

“This funding will help councils repair a number of key public roads which are the lifeline of every small community, and contribute to removing debris and repairing other damaged council assets,” he said.

“Councils in areas like this don’t have the funds to cover the full costs of repairs of this scale.

“The cost of repairing the roads goes beyond councils’ capabilities which is why the State and Commonwealth Governments are contributing 99% of the total repair bill.”

Also today Premier Beattie released a publication documenting the relief and recovery efforts in the past 12 months since Cyclone Larry hit.

“While everyone involved in the relief, recovery and reconstruction process can reflect on their efforts with pride, we know the job is not yet finished,” he said.

“The Queensland Government is in this for the long-haul and this publication also provides a guide to projects and programs which will continue in the months and years to come.”

See www.operationrecovery.qld.gov.au

/ends

March 14, 2007

Media Contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Minister’s Office 3227 8825