Bundaberg Regional Council has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to retain its current disaster recovery funding contribution of up to 75 per cent, recognising the importance of continued support for regions that have been severely impacted by natural disasters.
The announcement comes after the peak body for Queensland councils, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), led a campaign advocating for the Federal Government to retain its current disaster recovery funding contribution.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Senator Anthony Chisholm have announced the Government will no longer move to a 50-50 funding arrangement with the states and will instead continue to contribute up to 75 per cent to helping communities get back on their feet after disasters strike.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said maintaining the Commonwealth’s existing contribution was important for disaster-impacted communities and local governments responsible for managing recovery.
“Regions like Bundaberg know firsthand the significant impacts natural disasters can have on our communities, infrastructure and local economy,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Disaster recovery places enormous pressure on local governments, and it is vital that the costs of rebuilding are shared fairly across all levels of government.
“Maintaining the Federal Government’s contribution of up to 75 per cent provides greater certainty for councils and communities as they continue to recover from disaster events and prepare for the future.”
A hard-fought campaign was led by Queensland councils to help overturn the funding backflip, Local Government Association of Queensland President Matt Burnett said.
“I’d like to thank the Federal Government including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Local Government and Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain, for hearing the concerns of councils and communities and making this change,” Mayor Burnett said.
“Thank you to the Commonwealth for running consultation and responding swiftly to the concerns raised by Queensland local government.
“We also welcome its confirmation that councils can continue to claim costs under Counter Disaster Operations and that funding activation thresholds will be revised to ensure all communities get the support they need.
“Today’s announcement gives councils and local communities much needed certainty.
“I’d also like to thank Premier David Crisafulli and Local Government Minister Ann Leahy for standing alongside the LGAQ and councils in advocating on behalf of communities across the state, and the year-round support that our councils receive from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.”
LGAQ chief executive officer Alison Smith thanked the Federal Government for listening to council concerns about what the communities in Australia’s most disaster-impacted state need.
“In Queensland we have the most natural disaster events in the nation, and our councils are at the frontline of all response and recovery activities,” Ms Smith said.
“I want to thank councils for their unwavering advocacy to stand up for what their communities need.
“As the peak body for Queensland councils, the LGAQ has helped amplify the calls from councils and show how united they were about this.
“It demonstrates the power of a united local government voice. When we work together, important outcomes are possible.
“Communities couldn’t afford to lose this battle and we thank everyone who added their voices to this campaign.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Minister McBain as we work through the remainder of the reforms.”
