Sarina receives $3.2 million in disaster relief funding

Sarina Shire Council will receive grants totalling more than $3.2 million 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 under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program.

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

“Sarina Shire covers some 1440 square kilometres 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 Sarina Shire Council would receive $815,682 to repair submergence damage, as well as $2,468,103 to repair road base saturation.

“Numerous local roads across Sarina Shire were affected, with the worst hit including Eversleigh Road, Turnors Paddock Road, Hatfield Road and Armstrong Beach Road,” he said.

Mr Pitt said it was important that ratepayers were not left with the repair bill for damaged council assets and emergency works after natural disasters.

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

“Sarina Shire Council has also contributed $155,000 towards the repair works.”

The funding has been provided under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, a joint Queensland and Commonwealth government initiative.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819