Joint media release with the Hon Steven Miles MP

Queensland communities are sharing in nearly $10.5 million to help build resilience and reduce the risk of natural disasters through the 2022-23 Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF).

The QRRRF will support 24 new resilience-building projects around the state and helps local governments mitigate and manage natural disaster risks, creating a stronger, safer and more resilient Queensland.

Investments will be made in resilient infrastructure, disaster mitigation initiatives, disaster preparedness assets, and local risk management staff.

A final round of the QRRRF will be available in 2023-24 as part of a five-year National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Disaster Risk Reduction between the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments that concludes in June 2024.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt said upfront investment in stronger infrastructure pays dividends for communities during and following disasters. It improves overall safety and gives them the confidence that essential infrastructure is less likely to fail during a disaster,” Minister Watt said.

“The Albanese Government continues to invest in disaster resilience with all State and Territory Governments and we are committed to being better prepared for the disasters we know Queenslanders will face.

“The latest projects to be funded will go a long way to better protecting communities right across Queensland.”

Queensland Deputy Premier and minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles said the 24 new QRRRF projects are being delivered across the state by 23 councils, from Brisbane to Barcoo and Winton to Wujal Wujal.

“For example, Bulloo Shire Council has received $860,000 towards the construction of storm water drainage on Speedy and Stafford Streets, and Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council has had $180,000 approved towards the purchase of three new back-up power generators for the local water and sewerage treatment plants.”

Cook MP Cynthia Lui said the QRRRF is yet another way the Albanese and Palaszczuk governments are investing in a stronger Queensland, to ensure we remain the most disaster resilient state in Australia.

“Communities across Cook will share in more than $1.6 million, to help make sure we are prepared for whatever mother nature may throw this way next. “

“That includes more than $500,000 for Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council for slope stabilisation works at China Camp Road, and more than $430,000 for the construction and connection of an above ground electrical reticulation line from Bamaga township, to the Northern Peninsula Area Airport.

“I’m so proud to be part of a government that prioritises the ongoing safety and liveability of Queensland communities.”

Additional info:

The full list of successful QRRRF projects for 2022-23 and previous rounds can be found on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s website.

Examples of successful projects already delivered under previous rounds of the QRRRF and providing clear benefits for the community include:

• $320,000 for the replacement of a floodway on Bakers Road in Fraser Coast allowing all-weather access for the community
• $60,000 invested in a flood camera warning system in Quilpie
• $200,000 towards upgrading vital telecommunications infrastructure on Palm Island.

This release was originally published on the Ministers for the Department of Home Affairs' website