In response to the Federal Government’s refusal to fully fund disaster assistance, Premier Palaszczuk and several Queensland mayors have called on the Turnbull Government to visit the areas affected by severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called a meeting of Mayors from Whitsunday, Mackay, Rockhampton and the Local Government Association of Queensland after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last Friday approved $29.3 million of the expected $110 million.
Meeting attendees Deputy Premier and the Minister responsible for Queensland Reconstruction Authority Jackie Trad and Minister for Agriculture Bill Byrne, Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council Andrew Willcox, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson, and Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council Margaret Strelow all called on Turnbull Government Ministers to visit the region.
Prime Minister Turnbull wrote to the Premier to deny full federal government assistance on 13 July, stating:
“Unfortunately, the remaining projects proposed are not suitable for funding as they fall outside of the scope of the NDRRA or because there has not been enough evidence provided to establish the need for the measure. This includes the request for the construction of a levee in Rockhampton”.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox said the Federal Government’s decision was unacceptable,
“We were the hardest hit through the cyclone and to hear from the Federal Government that it’s “OK” is flabbergasting. The residents of the Whitsundays are at fever pitch,” he said.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson shared the sentiment.
“To say there is no damage is outright lies. The community has got to pay for the damage somehow. Nobody can believe the Feds would play this game at this stage,” he said.
Premier Palaszczuk said despite the disappointing news, her government was committed to post-cyclone development and recovery.
“My Government committed $110 million for recovery and reconstruction projects that we identified with local councils. I have reaffirmed my Government’s commitment to $110 million for these projects,” Ms Palaszczuk said.