THE Scenic Rim will be able to build up its resilience to natural disasters from floods to bushfires after being granted $248,337 in Commonwealth-State joint funding.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz, Member for Beaudesert Jon Krause and Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen welcomed Tuesday’s announcement of Natural Disaster Resilience Program funding for the region.
The funding will go towards the Scenic Rim Regional Council Flood Hazard Management and Disaster Mitigation Assessment and the Council’s Bushfire Risk Reduction Program 2016-17.
The flood assessment will provide Council, the community and Local Disaster Management Agencies with up to date flood mapping, reports and awareness information.
The bushfire program will include burning off public land near at-risk residential areas, slashing and maintenance of fire trails and improved access for local fire brigades.
Mr Buchholz said it was crucial for the region to be prepared.
“We can all recall the devastation Ex Tropical Cyclone Oswald and the associated flooding caused for the farmers of our region in 2013, and you’ve only got to look around you right now to see conditions are ripe for bushfires,” 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 Krause said it was vital to work together for the safety of the community.
“This funding will go a long way to helping us be ready for when disaster strikes and to minimize the impact on people and livelihoods,” he said.
“I have made sure the Beaudesert Electorate gets its fair share of this funding for the wellbeing of our most important assets – our people.”
Mr Christensen welcomed the funding.
“Scenic Rim Regional Council is extremely grateful for the funding to support flood mapping and mitigation and for bushfire mitigation programs,” he said.
“Both these grants are a win-win for the Scenic Rim community and on behalf of Council I thank the Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz, for his efforts in securing this valuable funding for our region.
“The success of our region is built around communities working closely with the rural and natural environments. Managing and mitigating the impacts of flood and fire is essential to our future confidence.”
The projects have a combined cost of $413,895, $248,337 of which will be funded under the Natural Disaster Resilience Program and $165,558 of which will be funded by the Scenic Rim Regional Council.
