The Federal Government has announced $18 million in reconstruction assistance to communities hit by Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) welcomed the funding but has expressed disappointment that it will only go part of the way to meeting Canberra’s responsibilities under natural disaster relief.
LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to match the Palaszczuk Government’s $110 million package for the communities of Mackay, Rockhampton and Whitsunday, saying all three needed infrastructure funding support from Canberra.
“It’s great that the Prime Minister has recognised the need to help rebuild Shute Harbour but projects like the South Rockhampton flood levee, the Bluewater Trail and the Airlie Beach Foreshore need to be in the mix if these communities are to fully recover from Debbie,’’ he said.
“This decision should be above politics. We are talking about getting regional economies back on their feet.’’
