THE Lockyer Valley Regional Council will be able to build up its resilience to floods in Gatton after being granted $150,000 in Commonwealth-State joint funding.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz, Member for Lockyer Ian Rickuss and Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan welcomed Tuesday’s announcement of Natural Disaster Resilience Program funding for the region.
The funding will go towards the Lockyer Valley Regional Council Stormwater Catchment Modelling, Planning and Design for Gatton Sub-catchments.
The study is expected to help Council improve stormwater management in Gatton and make the town’s residential and business areas less vulnerable in storms.
Mr Buchholz said it was crucial for the region to be prepared.
“We can all recall the devastation of the 2011 floods in other parts of the Lockyer Valley and the terrible impacts those floods had on people’s lives, their businesses, the local agricultural sector and the local economy as a whole,” he said.
“All levels of government must work together to prepare for, endure and recover from natural disasters, and through this funding we’re showing a partnership approach to build a culture of shared responsibility with governments.”
Mr Rickuss said community safety was paramount.
“I have made sure the Lockyer Electorate gets its fair share of this funding for the good of our local community,” he said.
“This will go a long way to helping us minimize the impact of storms on people and their livelihoods.”
Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan said the announcement was a win for the community.
“Lockyer Valley Regional Council is appreciative of the funding from the National Disaster Resilience Program which goes a long way in highlighting the significant achievements that can be obtained by working collaboratively together,” she said.
“The funding will assist Council to gain a better understanding of stormwater management and ensure appropriate planning and designs are in place that will support the future growth of the region.”
“By working together, this funding will better equip Council to reduce the vulnerability of our community.”
The total project cost is $250,000, $150,000 of which will be funded under the Natural Disaster Resilience Program and $100,000 of which will be funded by the Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
