Published Monday, 20 October, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Etheridge Shire Council receives $4.6 million in disaster funding
Etheridge Shire Council will receive more than $4.6 million in funding to repair damage to its road network that occurred as the result of monsoonal flooding in January 2008.
Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said the damaged road network posed a significant disruption to vital infrastructure.
“Regional communities rely heavily on road networks for transportation and access. Any damage to this infrastructure can severely impact on both businesses and livelihoods,” Mrs Kiernan said.
“The flooding that occurred in the Etheridge Shire Council area was caused by monsoonal floodwaters damaging roadway foundation, resulting in subsidence.
”Extensive work was required to bring these roads back to a safe condition for motorists.”
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the State and Commonwealth governments have contributed $4,638,433 in relief funding with the shire council contributing $50,000 towards the repair work.
“The financial burden of this natural disaster would have unfairly disadvantaged ratepayers should they have been forced to carry the cost of these repairs alone,” Mr Pitt said.
The funding is provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, a joint State and Commonwealth initiative.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mount Isa Electorate Office 4743 5149
Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said the damaged road network posed a significant disruption to vital infrastructure.
“Regional communities rely heavily on road networks for transportation and access. Any damage to this infrastructure can severely impact on both businesses and livelihoods,” Mrs Kiernan said.
“The flooding that occurred in the Etheridge Shire Council area was caused by monsoonal floodwaters damaging roadway foundation, resulting in subsidence.
”Extensive work was required to bring these roads back to a safe condition for motorists.”
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the State and Commonwealth governments have contributed $4,638,433 in relief funding with the shire council contributing $50,000 towards the repair work.
“The financial burden of this natural disaster would have unfairly disadvantaged ratepayers should they have been forced to carry the cost of these repairs alone,” Mr Pitt said.
The funding is provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, a joint State and Commonwealth initiative.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mount Isa Electorate Office 4743 5149