$19 MILLION TO BETTER PROTECT QUEENSLAND COMMUNITIES FROM NATURAL DISASTERS

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

• $19 million in Commonwealth and Queensland Government funding through the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF).
• 82 projects across both QRRRF and Managing Disaster Risk approved for 67 organisations, including councils, state agencies, universities and not-for-profit organisations.
  • This includes $6 million in federal funding under the Australian Government’s 2019 North Queensland Monsoon Trough funding from the Managing Disaster Risk program; funding 25 projects across 13 of the 14 eligible LGAs.
  • Includes $9.6 million in federal and Queensland Government funding for 44 projects under the QRRRF.
  • Includes $3.4 million Queensland state-funding for 13 projects under the QRRRF.
• The QRRRF is administrated by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority as part of its five-year National Partnership Agreement on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Queensland communities will be better protected from natural disasters thanks to $19 million in Commonwealth and Queensland Government funding announced today.

Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said projects were chosen to assist communities deal with future natural disasters, with a significant proportion going to remote communities. Investing in risk reduction and mitigation better prepares communities and reduces the loss and suffering by communities that feel the full brunt of these extreme weather events.

“The 82 projects include extensive road, floodway and levee upgrades, flood and river studies, and disaster management workshops across Queensland,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The projects funded under Managing Disaster Risk are intended to provide continued support across the areas impacted by the 2019 monsoon trough. Key projects include upgrades to Gemoka Drive and Pattel Drive in Richmond Shire Council, floodway and pavement improvements to Dalgonally Road in McKinlay Shire Council and upgrades to stormwater drainage in Burdekin Shire Council.

“Funding is also being made available to support the wellbeing of Queenslanders impacted by natural disasters, acknowledging the impact these events have on communities – not only in the immediate aftermath of the event, but in the medium and long term recovery phases as well.”

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles said QRRRF projects would help make communities more resilient to future natural disasters.

“In Queensland, we are well versed in dealing with and responding to natural disasters and other severe weather events. This past year saw 50 of our 77 local government areas impacted by 11 natural disasters,” Mr Miles said.

“This funding is a real shot in the arm for Queensland communities and will help keep them safe and more able to withstand the next natural disaster or severe weather event.”

The QRRRF is administrated by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments as part of its five-year National Partnership Agreement on Disaster Risk Reduction.

For the full list of projects, visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/qrrrf.

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Minister McKenzie: David Edghill 0447 966 072

Deputy Premier: Amy Hunter, 0423 651 484