Charters Towers to get $49,748 in disaster relief funding

Charters Towers City Council will receive a grant of $49,748 towards the cost of repairing local roads damaged by flooding in January and February 2007.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt announced details of the grant today under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, a joint Queensland and Commonwealth initiative.

“This flooding event caused considerable damage to the shire’s road system and it was important that the repairs took place as soon as possible,” Mr Pitt said.

“Charters Towers is home to almost 8500 people and the local road network is crucial to the community and economy of the area.

“The repair costs were beyond the council’s capabilities, which is why the state and Commonwealth governments have stepped in to help out.”

Mr Pitt said Charters Towers City Council would receive $49,748 to repair submergence damage to roads throughout the city.

“Numerous local roads across Charters Towers were affected, with the worst hit including Towers Street, Bluff Road, Depot Road and Mt Leyshon Road,” he said.

“In smaller communities, road systems are a community lifeline, so it was important that these repair works took place as quickly as possible so residents could go about their daily lives.

“These repair costs were beyond council’s capabilities, which is why the Queensland and Commonwealth governments have contributed extra funding,” he said.

“Charters Towers City Council has also contributed $16,582 towards the repair works.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819