Charters Towers Regional Council is joining councils across Queensland in raising concerns about proposed changes to disaster recovery funding that could place significant pressure on regional communities.
The Australian Government has announced changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, reducing the level of support traditionally provided to disaster impacted regions.
If implemented, the changes could see Queensland communities lose access to hundreds of millions of dollars in recovery funding each year.
Mayor Schmidt said the proposed changes would have real consequences for local communities.
“Our communities know first hand the impact of natural disasters, and strong funding support is critical to recovery.
“These changes would affect the ability of councils like ours to repair essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges and community facilities following natural disasters,” Mayor Schmidt said.
There are also concerns about reductions to programs that support rebuilding stronger infrastructure, which help reduce damage from future events and improve community resilience.
Local governments across Queensland are warning the proposed changes could shift a greater financial burden onto councils and ratepayers, at a time when many regions are already dealing with increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters.
“Reducing disaster funding places more pressure on councils and ratepayers, and risks slowing the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
“Ensuring strong disaster recovery funding is critical to helping communities recover quickly and rebuild safely after major events,” Mayor Schmidt continued.
With a limited window for feedback, community members are encouraged to have their say and support efforts to maintain fair funding arrangements by signing the petition and making their voices heard.
The petition can be accessed at https://listen2qld.com/disaster-funding
Council is also encouraging the community to share this information to help raise awareness of the potential impacts if these changes are implemented.
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