$34m question looms for future Cairns councillors, mayor following ex-TC Jasper, floods

An eye watering nine-figure damage bill incurred as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper has been revealed at a Cairns council meeting, with fears emerging that ratepayers may be forced to pay a hefty sum.

The Cairns Regional Council is facing a $34m shortfall as a result of damage sustained during and immediately after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Image: Brendan Radke

An eye watering nine-figure damage bill incurred as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper has been revealed at a Cairns council meeting, with fears emerging that ratepayers may be forced to pay a hefty sum.

Mayor Terry James disclosed council copped an estimated $113m beating during and immediately after the cyclone at Wednesday’s ordinary meeting.

Cairns Mayor Terry James outline the impact ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper has had on council’s bottom line at a meeting on Wednesday. Image: Brendan Radke

Around $79m is expected to be covered through insurance and disaster funding from the state and federal governments, Mr James said.

That means the city’s next civic leaders elected in March could face a whopping $34m financial shortfall as a result of the natural disaster.

The Barron River in Cairns reached a record flood peak, with roads closed and homes flooded in the catchment area on Sunday, December 17. Image: Brendan Radke

Northern beaches-based councillor Rhonda Coghlan, who represents several communities battered by the major event, laid bare the work ahead for council.

“This work will go on for many, many more months,” the Division 8 councillor said. “There are still people hurting out there and there has been a great commitment from all of council with this ongoing work.

“We know that we’re incurring a huge debt as we go and this will be something that council takes on into the next cycle.”

Cairns Regional Council Division Three councillor Cathy Zeiger said existing cost of living pressures are already a significant burden on ratepayers in the region. Image: Brendan Radke

Ensuring the debt isn’t passed onto ratepayers was critical, Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger said.

“We hope that the state government realises the full extent of the help that we need,” Ms Zeiger said.

“These are big dollars. We don’t want to burden the community any more than we have to.”

Pressure is being applied to Member for Cairns Michael Healy spoke at the Cairns Chamber of Commerce February business lunch - Tourism Industry Update & Outlook, held at the Pullman International hotel. Picture: Brendan Radke

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said he would lobby for further additional funding from the state government if council ultimately can’t foot the bill.

“I’ll always advocate for our city and community, it’s my job,” Mr Healy said.

Transport and drainage assets are expected to make up the around 60 percent of the total costs for council, a council spokesman said.

“Water, wastewater and recreational assets are expected to make up nearly 20 percent,” the spokesman said.

“Significant costs are also expected to be incurred due to issues associated with beach erosion. “Council has incurred over $4m of costs associated with collecting hard waste from impacted areas -- more than 1800 tonnes -- and is expected to spend over $8m making safe infrastructure with minor damage.”

Fisheries Bridge was wiped out during ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. A temporary pedestrian bridge was established and opened on Friday, February 10. Picture: Kellie Van Dorssen

Speaking outside the chamber, one councillor said better budgeting for natural disasters is required in the future.

“That number (the ex-TC Jasper damage bill) may grow,” the councillor said.

“But this is definitely something the next council will have to consider.”

Division 1 councillor Brett Moller praised council workers for establishing a temporary footbridge at Goldsborough after the Fisheries Bridge washed away during December’s major weather events.

Fisheries Bridge, Ellis Beach car park, Casuarina Street in Holloways Beach, Lake Morris Rd and Barron Gorge Rd is some of the worst affected infrastructure, the council spokesman said.

Originally published as $34m question looms for future Cairns councillors, mayor following ex-TC Jasper, floods