Rockhampton receives $3.5 million in disaster funding

Rockhampton Regional Council will receive $3,570,431 in disaster relief funding to repair damage that occurred to its local road network as the result of monsoonal flooding earlier this year.

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

“The flooding that occurred across many parts of Queensland has caused considerable damage to the Rockhampton 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 Keppel Paul Hoolihan said the funding included $409,419 for repairs to the Scenic Highway at Statue Bay, $201,528 for repairs to Belmont Road and $164,730 for repairs to Valley Road.

“If these assets were not repaired there is the potential to severely impact the community, business and livelihoods,” Mr Hoolihan said.

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

“As a result, the State and Commonwealth governments have contributed $3,570,431 with the regional council contributing $344,000 towards the repair work.”

Mr Hoolihan 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