General News
16 December, 2024
Council repair bill $25m short
CAIRNS ratepayers face a $25 million debt to repair community assets following Cyclone Jasper and the unprecedented flooding a year ago.
The last council meeting of the year on Wednesday was told the bill was about $108m with $83m eligible for state and/or federal government funding.
Mayor Amy Eden said the aftermath of the cyclone highlighted significant gaps in the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA) for that event, particularly concerning the restoration of recreational facilities, foreshores and community assets.
Ineligible for grants
“However, the current activation of funding for the Jasper event excludes essential community infrastructure, such as recreational facilities, which are vital for the social and emotional well-being of our communities,” she said.
“The inability to access necessary funds for rebuilding these assets is stifling our recovery efforts and prolongs the return to normalcy for our residents.
“If we don’t get funding support, the burden will fall on ratepayers. In a cost-of-living crisis, our residents just cannot afford it.
“I once again call upon the state and federal governments to release additional funding for the Jasper event. This would empower local councils to apply for disaster recovery funds to rebuild and restore recreational facilities and other critical community assets that are currently outside the scope of the grant scheme.
“By doing this, we can ensure a more comprehensive and effective recovery process, enabling our communities to rebuild stronger and more resilient after natural disasters.
Unprecedented flooding
“As we approach the first anniversary of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall near Wujal Wujal on December 13, 2023, we remember the unprecedented flooding and widespread devastation it caused across our region.
“The cyclone’s unexpected stalling just north of Cairns led to record-breaking floods, isolating communities and inflicting significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
“I know many residents impacted by Jasper are nervous and anxious about the wet season ahead.
“Please take care of yourselves and your family over the next couple of months and reach out and seek support if you need it.
“I’d like those residents, and our entire community, to know that council stands with you during this difficult time.
“It’s vital that residents have prepared their cyclone kit, have an evacuation plan in place and they get to ‘Know Their Zone’.”
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