19 February 2020
The rural water tank rebate is one step closer after Southern Downs Regional Council today at the General Meeting endorsed a proposed list of projects to submit to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) that included an allocation of more than $1M to the scheme.
Council has received a total of $1.3M in Federal funding under the Bushfire Recovery Exceptional Assistance Immediate Support Package, and has consulted extensively with the QRA on its proposed list of projects after previous unsuccessful approaches to other funding streams.
Council will submit the following projects for final approval after the QRA previously provided interim approval:
· $1,050,000: Water tank rebate for rural landowners (not connected to any reticulated water supply)
· $100,000: Installation of water storage facilities and equipment to support regional firefighting efforts
· $50,000: Drought and Bushfire Regional Readiness Plan
· $100,000: Funding to regional community and sporting organisations to improve community facilities including halls and clubhouses, that increases resilience in preparation for future adverse events
These projects are all fully funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said that Council had never lost sight of the rural water tank rebate and was committed to channelling funding to where it was needed most.
“Our rural communities are physically and financially fatigued and deserve a fair go,” Mayor Dobie said.
“While disappointed that previous funding proposals for rural water tank rebates have been unsuccessful, Council has never given up on delivering projects that benefit our rural communities.
“Council is closer than ever before to finally delivering the rural water tank rebate through this latest relief funding package.”
Criteria for the rural water tank rebate is being developed and will be communicated in due course.
Council will meet with the QRA as early as next week to discuss the details of the proposed projects.
Timing of the commencement of the program is not yet confirmed and further information will be released to the community as soon as available. Over the next few weeks, the Council will communicate the guidelines and requirements for eligible landowners.
Coordinator of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency Andrew Colvin said moving forward there’s a need to ensure our infrastructure is resilient - and that this protection will be unique to each region.
“I am pleased to see Southern Downs Regional Council use their Commonwealth funding for such important infrastructure projects that contribute to sustainability whilst balancing this with the immediate needs of the community such as the improvements to halls and clubhouses,” he said.
Council thanked the Commonwealth Government for the generous relief funding and praised the investment in a strong and unique region.