The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have committed $114.5 million in funding to help North and Far North Queensland communities impacted by natural disasters build stronger, more disaster-resilient infrastructure, with $14.5 million of this slated for water and wastewater infrastructure.
Federal Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said $14.5 million of the funds would be spent on the Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Program which would assist in rebuilding key public infrastructure and proofing them for future natural disasters.
“Unfortunately, some infrastructure is often repaired just in time to be damaged again during the next weather event, making it harder for communities to build resilience and withstand natural disasters,” Mr Littleproud said.
Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, said the funding would create more resilient infrastructure which means communities would be better prepared for disasters, better able to endure when disaster strikes, and quicker to recover in the aftermath.
“More resilient infrastructure allows communities to stay connected and recover quicker after a disaster,” Mr Dick said.
“This funding will ensure roads and bridges can stay open, water treatment plants and sewerage infrastructure can keep operating and businesses, including primary producers that rely on vital transport routes, can stay on track.”
Local governments can submit expressions of interest under the $14.5 million Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Program to restore infrastructure damaged as a result of the monsoon trough.
The Water and Sewerage Infrastructure Program will restore damaged water and sewerage assets, ensuring essential services are delivered to the community.
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority is now calling for expressions of interest from eligible councils and state agencies to identify priority projects within their communities.
Deadline for expressions of interest is 19 July 2019.
