The Queensland Government will provide $10 million towards 22 council projects aiming to reduce disaster risk and lower insurance costs for residents, businesses and communities in North Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles said a broad range of projects had been approved in the first ever North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program.
"Communities in North and Far North Queensland face significant risks from cyclones, flooding and storm surges and these projects will help reduce the risk posed by these events and make insurance more affordable," Mr Miles said.
"Queensland has been hit by almost 100 natural disasters in the past decade and they are becoming more frequent and more intense, so we need to become more innovative in our approach to reduce risk to make our communities safer.
"Projects include a $2 million investment to fund sand replenishment and extra rock protection on Woodgate Beach in the Bundaberg local government area to provide an extra layer of defence for homes and infrastructure close to the water."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Cook Cynthia Lui:
"More than $2 million will go towards a series of projects, which will see the installation of rock protection along the banks of Magnificent Creek in the Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council area to help prevent erosion and scouring," Ms Lui said.
"Torres Shire Council will receive $857,000 to realign stormwater drainage in four locations to mitigate the effects of flooding.
"The appointment of a Coastal Hazard Resilience Officer at Torres Strait Island Regional Council will also help to identify other risks and how to go about lessening their impact."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert:
"Mackay Regional Council will receive almost $400,000 towards the investigation, design and modelling of a levee system to reduce inundation during storm surges," Mrs Gilbert said.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to building safer, stronger and more resilient communities and this program is another example of that."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher:
"After significant rainfall, we do see the Boyne River quickly rise and cause flooding," Mr Butcher said.
"We will invest $120,000 for Gladstone Regional Council to engage a consultant to undertake a flood study for the Boyne River catchment area.
"This will ensure we're better informed and more prepared to respond to flooding in the future."
Quotes attributable to Member for Townsville Scott Stewart:
"Fifty low cost water level sensors will be installed at various locations in Townsville to measure water levels in creeks, rivers and drainage channels, thanks to a 125,000 investment.
"A $150,000 investment will also see Townsville City Council undertake the detailed design for improvements at Campbell Street Pump Station."
Quotes attributable to the Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt:
"The Queensland Government will provide almost $800,000 in funding to Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council to upgrade the overland stormwater infrastructure and road crossings along Buddabadoo Road, as well as undertaking a drainage and flood study across the Shire," Mr Pitt said.
"This will help improve road safety after flooding and identify future upgrades that will make Yarrabah community more storm resilient"
Quotes attributable to the Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke:
"We want to make our communities even more resilient to natural disasters but planning and knowing more about local flooding," Mr O'Rourke said.
"Rockhampton Regional Council will receive $350,000 to develop two Floodplain Risk Management Studies in the catchments of Moores Creek and South Rockhampton."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Cairns Michael Healy:
"Cairns Regional Council will receive funding for flood modelling studies and the design and planning of infrastructure in the Cairns CBD to reduce the impact of localised flooding,' Mr Healy said.
"This will help Cairns better respond to flooding in the CBD, helping us to recovery quicker during the wet season."
Mr Miles said the program was established in response to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission's Northern Australia Insurance Inquiry's Final Report released in December 2020, which encouraged governments and insurers to identify mitigation works that can help reduce insurance premiums.
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will administer the $10 million North Queensland Natural Disasters Mitigation Program.
Projects funded through this program are expected to be delivered by December 2023.
