Funding boost for rural border councils to help keep Queensland safe

The rural local governments on the frontline of Queensland’s COVID-19 border closure with New South Wales will be eligible to share in $1 million from the Queensland Government to cover the costs of border control.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the funds will help to cover the costs incurred managing and implementing border crossing restrictions.

“Every council across Queensland is working hard to keep their communities safe, but it’s particularity challenging for rural councils on the front-line,” Mr Miles said.

“Across our rural southern border, Balonne Shire Council, Bulloo Shire Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council, Paroo Shire Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, and Scenic Rim Regional Council have been instrumental in keeping COVID out, but those councils have been on the front line of hundreds of roads, lanes and dirt tracks that cross our border – keeping Queensland safe, and for these councils, it does come at a price.

“I am pleased to announce that $1 million has been set aside to assist these rural councils.

“This funding comes off the back of an additional $250 million under the Queensland Economic Recovery Plan already allocated to Queensland councils to help negate the impacts of the pandemic.

“This included $200 million from the COVID Works for Queensland program and $50 million from the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.

“Queensland’s southern border councils alone have received $23.5 million from these programs, allowing them to deliver a range of projects that otherwise would have been funded from council revenue or borrowings.

“Both the Premier and I have written to the Commonwealth asking for assistance through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, but have been denied.

“It is important these councils are recognised for the efforts they have made in protecting the State, and the Queensland Government is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those on the frontline.”

Local Government Association of Queensland acting CEO Alison Smith said these councils had stepped up without question to help support the State’s strong border measures.

“This funding will provide welcome relief for Queensland’s border councils and their communities,” Ms Smith said.

“We thank the Deputy Premier for working in partnership with the LGAQ and our member councils to find a solution to help cover these costs.”

Reimbursements for border closure costs will occur through an application process in consultation with the Queensland Police Service. Information on the process will be provided to councils in the coming weeks.

ENDS

Media contact:           Katharine Wright – 0428 957 903