State and federal governments back Maranoa Regional and Murweh Shire councils after floods

While it was mostly welcome, torrential rain in March left some critical infrastructure damaged however repairs are set to be complete within two years with new government backing.

After a very wet summer, and torrential rain over Easter, some of South West Queensland’s shires have secured funding for the restoration of their roads and important public assets.

In the latest round of funding, the Maranoa Regional Council, Murweh Shire Council and Balonne Shire are all on the list to receive funding to get their roads back to the way they were.

In an effort to help local councils recover more quickly from flood events, the federal and state governments contribute to Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

After a disaster, the DRFA is activated, which helps councils get started on repairs after a disaster.

In the Maranoa region, rainfall in late March totalled up to 250mm over a three-week period, causing pretty serious damage to roads.

The floodwater levee in Charleville has protected the southwest Queensland township from flooding.

With the DRFA activation, the council will be able to recover costs to repair that infrastructure.

Maranoa acting mayor Cameron O’Neil extended his thanks to the higher levels of government for their help.

“The Easter flooding caused widespread damage to council’s road network and we have been working hard since then to repair that damage,” Mr O’Neil said.

“Without disaster recovery funding arrangements of this nature, the burden of the recovery costs falls on councils and their ratepayers.

“We are grateful for the support and especially the confidence it provides us to get on with the job of recovery.”

The Murweh Shire also had substantial rainfall in a similar period.

Murweh Shire chief executive Bruce Scott said while it could be another four to six weeks before the full assessment of the damage is done, the reparation works will be complete within two years.

“It’s a great state and Commonwealth initiative for the restoration of essential public assets,” Mr Scott said.

Murweh Shire mayor, Shaun Radnedge, said the program was a big help.

“The only pitfall is that is doesn’t allow for betterment,” Mr Radnedge said.