Gladstone Regional Council will now use the money to fund Property Fire Management Planning Workshops

“This funding is a real shot in the arm for Queensland communities and will help keep them safe.”

Thick smoke rises from a large bushfire near Deepwater in central Queensland, Friday, November 30, 2018. More than 100 fires are still burning across the state, forcing many communities to evacuate. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING

As bushfire season begins in Queensland, Gladstone Regional Council has been awarded funding to host workshops which will help landowners prepare.

GRC picked up $30,000 to spend on Property Fire Management Planning Workshops courtesy of the latest $19 million round of Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund funding.

The funding accommodates for 82 projects across both QRRRF and Managing Disaster Risk approved for 67 organisations, including councils, state agencies, universities and not-for-profit organisations.

Minister for Emergency Management Senator Bridget McKenzie said projects were chosen to assist communities deal with future natural disasters, with a significant proportion going to remote communities.

Investing in risk reduction and mitigation better prepares communities and reduces the loss and suffering by communities that feel the full brunt of these extreme weather events.

“The 82 projects include extensive road, floodway and levee upgrades, flood and river studies, and disaster management workshops across Queensland,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The projects funded under Managing Disaster Risk are intended to provide continued support across the areas impacted by the 2019 monsoon trough.

“Key projects include upgrades to Gemoka Drive and Pattel Drive in Richmond Shire Council, floodway and pavement improvements to Dalgonally Road in McKinlay Shire Council and upgrades to stormwater drainage in Burdekin Shire Council.

“Funding is also being made available to support the wellbeing of Queenslanders impacted by natural disasters, acknowledging the impact these events have on communities – not only in the immediate aftermath of the event, but in the medium and long term recovery phases as well.”

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles said QRRRF projects would help make communities more resilient to future natural disasters.

“In Queensland, we are well versed in dealing with and responding to natural disasters and other severe weather events. This past year saw 50 of our 77 local government areas impacted by 11 natural disasters,” Mr Miles said.

“This funding is a real shot in the arm for Queensland communities and will help keep them safe and more able to withstand the next natural disaster or severe weather event.”

For the full list of projects, visit HERE.

Originally published as Gladstone Regional Council will now use the money to fund Property Fire Management Planning Workshops