Burdekin Shire Council to get $220,000 in disaster funding

Burdekin Shire Council will receive more than $220,000 towards the cost of repairing local roads that were damaged during storms and flooding in January and February this year.

Main Roads and Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the damage bill across the shire was too great a burden for council to carry alone.

“Road systems are vital assets in regional and remote communities and it was essential that these repair works took place as quickly as possible following the flood damage earlier this year,” Mr Pitt said.

“The cost of these restoration works was beyond council’s capacity, which is why the State and Commonwealth governments have stepped in to help with $220,602 in relief assistance.

“Burdekin Shire Council has also contributed $73,534 towards the repair works, which represents 25 per cent of the total project cost of $294,136.”

Mr Pitt said the funding was provided under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, a joint State and Commonwealth initiative.

“It’s important that ratepayers aren’t left with the repair bill for damaged council assets after significant natural disasters,” he said.

Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819