Regional Queensland receives $16M for resilient infrastructure

Almost $16 million will be devoted to rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the 2019 monsoon trough in north and north-west Queensland.

Funding will go to 46 resilience projects in addition to the $93 million already approved through a federal and state government partnership to build more resilient, stronger resilient infrastructure in regional Queensland.

Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said construction works would start in the coming weeks, with the goal of having all projects completed within 12 months.

“When it comes to Queensland, a severe weather event is never far in the distance,” Littleproud said.

“So while our response to the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, we continue to invest in the roads, floodways, drainage and barriers needed to keep communities safe, and withstand potentially devastating impacts of natural disasters

“Almost $16 million will be shared between 18 councils and one state agency to rebuild community infrastructure stronger than before.”

Queensland Treasurer and Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said investing now would lower disaster recovery costs in the future.

“COVID doesn’t change the fact we’re the most at-risk state in Australia when it comes to natural disasters,” Dick said.

“In the past 12 months our state has faced bushfires, cyclones, floods and a pandemic. We’re a tough bunch, but we need our infrastructure to be just as resilient.

“Our government is committed to helping Queensland unite and recover, and infrastructure investment and job creation is crucial to that.

“Through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority we will keep working with councils and state agencies to ensure Queenslanders are best protected against disasters in the years ahead.”