Queensland Councils share in $220 million to kickstart reconstruction effort

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced that 18 disaster affected councils are to benefit from a $220 million injection of funding to kickstart reconstruction efforts.

The Premier told State Parliament that the injection of initial reconstruction dollars would mean works could get underway as quickly as possible.

Premier Bligh explained "under a process that is being used for the first time we are accelerating the flow of reconstruction dollars back into impacted communities.

"In the January mid-year review we committed to have $400 million into impacted communities by the end of the financial year.

"In the past such payments have been made to councils after the work has been complete.

"To accelerate the process - and to get money moving and stimulate local and regional economies - we are paying them this money as an advance," the Premier said.

"The Queensland Reconstruction Authority is working with all impacted councils to keep this process rolling."

Queensland's disaster impacted councils were asked to supply the Authority their damage lists and a signed Funding Agreement by last Friday.

Premier Bligh added "we know that some councils are still experiencing flooding issues and their ability to respond has been lessened, but we will ensure no one is disadvantaged. "

Under the long-standing Natural Disaster Recovery and Relief Arrangements (NDRRA) between the States and the Commonwealth, the Federal Government will be responsible for meeting up to 75% of these costs.

The Stage 1 funding is going to:

1. Blackall - Tambo Regional Council - $2.9 million
2. Brisbane City Council - $54 million
3. Burdekin Shire Council - $1.7 million
4. Cassowary Coast regional - $19.9 million
5. Etheridge Shire Council (Georgetown) - $2.7 million
6. Fraser Coast Regional Council - $2.1 million
7. Goondiwindi Regional Council - $2.8 million
8. Gympie Regional Council - $3.7 million
9. Lockyer Valley Regional Council - $37.8 million
10. Mackay Regional Council - $4.4 million
11. Moreton Bay Regional Council - $2.8 million
12. North Burnett Regional Council - $3.1 million
13. Somerset Regional Council - $8.6 million
14. South Burnett Regional Council - $25.9 million
15. Tablelands Regional Council - $12.8 million
16. Torres Shire Council - $64,900
17. Townsville City Council - $25.2 million
18. Whitsunday Regional Council - $10 million

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