Date: 2009-11-25
You are viewing a printer friendly version. If you want to view the original release please click the link below:
Original Article: http://media-newswire.com/release_1106604.html
Distributed by: Media-Newswire.com
Published by: N/A
Local Government Minister Desley Boyle today announced $1.18 million in disaster assistance to help cover the costs of repair works undertaken in the aftermath of wild storms that swept through Brisbane’s northern suburbs in late 2008.
(Media-Newswire.com) -
Local Government Minister Desley Boyle today announced $1.18 million in disaster assistance to help cover the costs of repair works undertaken in the aftermath of wild storms that swept through Brisbane’s northern suburbs in late 2008.
Ms Boyle said the series of storms that swept through South East Queensland between November 16 and 20 last year caused havoc across Brisbane’s north-west.
“Residents of The Gap, Keperra, Ferny Grove, Upper Kedron, Arana Hills, Everton Hills and Albany Creek were the most severely affected, with many homes taking a battering,” Ms Boyle said.
Member for Ashgrove Kate Jones said the scale of the damage was almost unimaginable.
“This was the worst storm Brisbane has seen in recent memory. It was reminiscent of a cyclone,” Ms Jones said.
“Damaging wind gusts, localised flooding and severe hail damage did hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage.”
Ms Jones said Brisbane City Council was left with a massive clean up job on its hands.
“Roads were severely damaged and local parks were left in disarray. Getting the parks cleaned up and roads repaired was essential so that life for the people of Brisbane could get back to normal,” she said.
“The council, along with emergency services personnel, should be commended for the way they got on with the job of removing fallen trees and debris from roads and trains as well as clearing parks.”
Member for Ferny Grove Geoff Wilson said this was an example of the Bligh Government’s commitment to supporting councils in the aftermath of natural disasters.
“We live in a beautiful state but at times it can be unforgiving and that is why it is important the Bligh Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with local councils in the wake of natural disasters,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Wilson said works undertaken included:
$351,899 for the removal of debris and vegetation from roadways;
$249,274 for drain restoration;
$81,151 for emergency road repairs;
$449,682 for the restoration of structural assets; and
$396,133 for the restoration of parks.
“The size of the repair bill would have placed a significant burden on council finances. That is why the State and Commonwealth governments have put the joint Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements in place, to help local governments recover quickly from natural disasters.
“This allocation takes the total amount of disaster assistance provided to Brisbane City Council since July 2004 to more than $7.18 million.”
Media contact: Minister Boyle’s office 3227 8819