Local Government Minister Desley Boyle today announced disaster assistance of more than $2.12 million to help Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council cover the cost of repair works completed in the aftermath of flooding in February and March 2008.
“Monsoonal rain and flooding left Yarrabah with a big job on their hands. Flooding did significant damage to local roads and left a big repair bill in its wake,” Ms Boyle said.
“It would have been a major burden on council’s finances if it had been required to foot the whole bill.
“Now that all the works have been completed and council has submitted its claim we can reimburse it for the lion’s share of the costs.”
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt congratulated council on their hard work repairing roads in the region.
“After a natural disaster it is important that council does everything it can to help residents get their lives get back to normal,” Mr Pitt said.
“This means getting the roads up and running so people can get on with their day-to-day lives as well as ensuring they can still access essential services.
“The funding will help cover the costs of repairs to pavements, grading of roads and general clean up works required after the flooding subsided.”
Mr Pitt said some of the major works included:
- Yarrabah Access Road - $664,037 worth of repair works;
- Sawmill Road - $337,547;
- Yarrabah town streets - $286,887;
- Back Beach, Bukki, King and Beach roads - $891,123.
Ms Boyle said it was important the Bligh Government stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Queensland’s councils in times of natural adversity.
“That is why the State and Commonwealth governments jointly provide financial assistance to affected local governments through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program,” she said.
“This payment of $2,129,594 takes the total in NDRRA support for Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council to $3.17 million since July 2004.”
Media Contact: Minister Boyle’s Office 3227 8819
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