Mayors whose communities are still suffering from the devastation of Cyclone Debbie four months ago are pushing the Turnbull Government to commit to proper funding for disaster recovery and reconstruction.
The Government recently rejected a bid to help fund building projects in the Mackay, Rockhampton and Whitsunday regions under Category D of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
Councils prepared an application for $135 million to help pay for key local economic infrastructure such as a flood levee at Rockhampton to prevent future inundation and the restoration of the Shute Harbour Marina destroyed by Cyclone Debbie.
However, Canberra has approved just $1.5 million. Justice Minister Michael Keenan, who is responsible for federal disaster assistance said the application was “not worth the paper it was written on”.
Federal MP for Dawson, George Christensen, organised a conference call this week between Mr Keenan, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Whitsunday Mayor Andrew Willcox to plead the region’s case for funding.
However, Mr Keenan only committed to write to the Queensland Government to seek further information about the funding bid.
The impasse over disaster funding coincides with the release of the latest Sensis Business Index report showing a sharp drop in confidence among small and medium business in regional Queensland in the wake of Cyclone Debbie.
After the conference call, Mr Christensen told local media he wanted the rejection of duning for the revitalisation of the Shute Harbour Marina, the Airlie Beach foreshore and the Blue Water Trail in Mackay reviewed.