Regional and rural communities in Queensland are set to benefit from $20 million in Betterment funding, to repair damaged public assets from the 2020-21 disaster season.
A total of 39 projects have been approved across 21 councils through the $20 million Betterment Fund, jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments.
The Betterment Fund allows local governments and state agencies to rebuild essential public assets to a more resilient standard to help them withstand the impacts of future natural disasters. The fund is being administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
Of the 39 projects, a large proportion of works relate to the sealing of roads or upgrades to drainage and floodways. These works will improve the resilience of communities by ensuring more reliable and durable access.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt said the funding would support remote communities which are frequently impacted by natural disasters.
“This is all about building back better than it was, so that infrastructure is stronger and more resilient in case another natural disaster hits,” Watt said.
In total, more than 520 projects valued at $263.85 million across 71 local government areas have been approved through Betterment Funds.
According to council data, 375 of the 520 projects have been impacted again by a subsequent natural disaster event and have remained undamaged or suffered only minor or superficial impacts.
Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles said this latest round of approved betterment projects would help to make communities safer and more resilient.
“Communities across the state will reap the benefits including Southern Downs Regional Council, which has been approved for $1.17 million in betterment funding to construct four concrete floodways with sealed approaches along Condamine River Road,” Miles said.
“Balonne Shire Council has been allocated $1.2 million to build a concrete floodway and seal two sections of Cubbie Road.”
Related stories:
- Additional $170M for damaged QLD infrastructure
- $145M for flood-damaged water infrastructure in NSW
- NSW councils receive fast-tracked funds to repair flood-damaged roads
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