Gympie receives more than $1.68 million in disaster funding
Local Government Minister Desley Boyle today announced $1.68 million in disaster assistance for Gympie Regional Council to help cover the costs of emergency works and repairs caused by flooding in April 2009.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Local Government Minister Desley Boyle today announced $1.68 million in disaster assistance for Gympie Regional Council to help cover the costs of emergency works and repairs caused by flooding in April 2009.
Ms Boyle said the flooding event had caused extensive damage to public assets throughout the area.
“The flooding that hit the Gympie Regional Council area earlier this year caused significant damage and left the council with a major clean-up on its hands,” she said.
“This funding will help cover the costs of a range of emergency works and repairs, including clearing debris and silt from roads, erecting safety signs and barriers, repairing potholes and grading.
“In natural disaster situations it is extremely important to get these works completed quickly so that local people can travel freely and safely throughout their community.”
Ms Boyle said the cost of the works included:
·$1,402,361 for access grading;
·$357,009 for the removal of silt and debris;
·$104,314 for pothole repairs; and
·$35,913 for the erection of flood safety signage.
“Obviously, the cost of these repair works was a major burden on the council’s finances,” Ms Boyle said.
“That is why the Bligh and Rudd governments have made $1,685,598 in funding available to help with the repair costs. Gympie Regional Council has also played its part by contributing $214,000.
“Importantly, this funding allocation has also helped to support the employment of eight local workers during the global economic slowdown.
“This means that since 2004-05, the State and Commonwealth governments have provided Gympie Regional Council and the former Cooloola, Kilkivan and Tiaro shires with more than $5.32 million through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program.”
Media Contact: Minister Boyle’s Office 3227 8819
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