Gympie Regional Council receives $320,000 in disaster relief

Gympie Regional Council will receive more than $320,000 in funding to repair damage that resulted from flooding in south-east Queensland during May and June 2008.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the floodwaters had caused extensive damage to essential public assets.

“The flooding that occurred caused significant damage to many council assets, producing a considerable repair bill.

“These assets are vital to the important services Gympie Regional Council delivers to its ratepayers.

“The emergency repair work required the removal of flood debris, the repair of local roads and the erection of flood signage.

“The reliance by local communities on this type of local infrastructure means that this damage has the potential to severely impact the regions businesses and livelihoods.

“Ratepayers would have been disadvantaged by the financial burden of this natural disaster if Gympie Regional Council had been required to foot the bill.

“As a result, the State and Commonwealth governments have contributed $323,243.89, with the regional council contributing $107,747.96 towards the repair work.”

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