Published Tuesday, 08 July, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Diamantina receives $2 million in disaster assistance
Diamantina Shire Council will receive more than $2 million in disaster assistance towards the costs of repairing local roads damaged in flooding during February 2008.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the severe floods that hit western Queensland early this year caused considerable damage to the western shire’s road network.
“Roads are an important public asset – particularly in rural and remote areas of the state, so it’s crucial to get them back in working order as soon as possible after severe weather events,” Mr Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said a number of key access roads needed restoration works, including: Sandringham-Ethabuka Road ($1,067,079 worth of works); Griffiths Tank-Coorabulka ($261,438); Davenport Downs-Diamantina Lakes ($254,967); Carcoory-Stony Crossing ($247,122); Diamantina Lakes-Winton Shire boundary ($143,718); and Springvale-Boulia Shire boundary ($84,355).
“This natural disaster event left Diamantina Shire with a repair bill that was beyond council’s resources, which is why we have stepped in to help,” he said.
“That is why the State and Commonwealth governments have made $2,008,680 in funding available, while Diamantina Shire Council has also contributed $50,000 towards the restoration costs.”
Mr Pitt said the funding was provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, a joint State and Commonwealth initiative.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the severe floods that hit western Queensland early this year caused considerable damage to the western shire’s road network.
“Roads are an important public asset – particularly in rural and remote areas of the state, so it’s crucial to get them back in working order as soon as possible after severe weather events,” Mr Pitt said.
Mr Pitt said a number of key access roads needed restoration works, including: Sandringham-Ethabuka Road ($1,067,079 worth of works); Griffiths Tank-Coorabulka ($261,438); Davenport Downs-Diamantina Lakes ($254,967); Carcoory-Stony Crossing ($247,122); Diamantina Lakes-Winton Shire boundary ($143,718); and Springvale-Boulia Shire boundary ($84,355).
“This natural disaster event left Diamantina Shire with a repair bill that was beyond council’s resources, which is why we have stepped in to help,” he said.
“That is why the State and Commonwealth governments have made $2,008,680 in funding available, while Diamantina Shire Council has also contributed $50,000 towards the restoration costs.”
Mr Pitt said the funding was provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, a joint State and Commonwealth initiative.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819