In the lead-up to the Queensland Budget on June 13 we focus on key QLD policy issues and programs the LGAQ are campaigning for on behalf of its member councils. This week, the spotlight is on the Community Resilience Fund.
Funding from the $40 million Community Resilience Fund has enabled the Southern Downs Regional Council to install new fire trails that will be critical in assisting rural fire brigades.
Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said the funding has provided a vital network to control fires, protect properties and upgrade older trails.
"As a member of The Glen Rural Fire Brigade I am very conscious of the importance of the continual development, maintenance and upgrade of fire trails. In the past, we have applied for these grants when they are available and we will continue to do so in the future. They are essential to enable access by our Rural Fire Services, and also other Emergency Services, into areas that may be threatened by bushfires." Mayor Dobie said.
Rural Fire Service Bushfire Safety Officer Michael Welsh said the fire trails were an important part of managing fire risk.
“Stanthorpe and Warwick areas have a long history of Bushfires impacting directly on people’s lives: In 2002, a life was lost due to bushfire at Stanthorpe,” he said.
“If we can get resources closer to the fire then we can attack it earlier. Less land will be burnt out and the safety of our volunteer fire fighters is markedly improved, allowing them to get home and get back to work sooner.”
The Community Resilience Fund aims to support local governments to deliver key natural disaster infrastructure.
In its State Budget submission, the LGAQ has called for a $40 million extension of the Fund to address the ongoing need to support projects that strengthen infrastructure vulnerable to natural disasters and increase community resilience.
You can read the full LGAQ 2017/18 QLD State Budget Submission here.