10 January 2020
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt will receive $1M under a new wave of Federal Government bushfire relief funding allocated to local governments affected by bushfires since August 2019.
Yesterday’s Federal Government announcement of a once off “untied” payment to 42 local governments comes after an early start to an unprecedented and catastrophic bushfire season.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Tracy Dobie welcomed the support of the Federal Government and praised the investment in a strong and unique region.
“The Federal Government has been exceptionally generous and Council welcomes the bushfire relief funding,” said Mayor Tracy Dobie.
“This funding comes at a critical time for our community. Not only are we faced with the ongoing drought but have also contended with unseasonably early and intense bushfires. The residents of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt have already shown extreme determination, kindness and resilience and I am really pleased to see the benefit our community will receive from this extra level of support.
“Council will meet in the coming days to discuss various resilience and recovery projects that will benefit the whole community.
“Projects through this funding will provide several benefits to our region. Firstly, the employment and materials purchased for the projects and secondly, the benefit of the finished project or infrastructure that is created.”
The application criteria is yet to be finalised and Council will work with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development to deliver the projects.
It is intended that the funding will have as much latitude as possible, minimal guidelines and reporting.
The Bushfire Relief Funding has come quite soon after the $1M provided by Drought Communities Programme, providing an excellent opportunity for economic stimulation within the region.
In addition, Council also received funding from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority in December specifically for the fire-affected Stanthorpe region and is currently finalising details of the funding agreement.
Residents are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest Southern Downs Regional Council news by visiting www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/news or by phoning 1300 697 372.