Far north receives $658,095 in disaster funding

Cairns Regional Council will receive $658,095 in disaster relief funding to repair damage that occurred to its local road network as the result of monsoonal flooding across Far North Queensland earlier this year.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the floodwaters, in February and March, had caused significant damage to the council’s road infrastructure.

“The flooding that occurred across many parts of Queensland caused considerable damage to the Cairns Regional Council’s road network,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring that councils have the ability to repair these vital assets quickly in order to minimise disruption to the community.”

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said the funding included $129,177 to re-instate the washed-out Lee’s Bridge on Douglas Creek Road, $119, 276 for stabilisation and revegetation along the Upper Daintree Road and $91,955 for repairs to the Thompson Creek causeway on Cape Tribulation Road.

“If these assets were not repaired there is the potential to severely affect the community, business and livelihoods,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The financial burden of this natural disaster would have disadvantaged ratepayers if Cairns Regional Council was required to foot the bill.

“As a result, the State and Commonwealth governments have contributed $658,095 with the regional council contributing $169,000 towards the repair work.”

Mr O’Brien 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