$2 million for disaster resilience projects that protect and educate

Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning The Honourable Cameron Dick

Queensland’s 77 councils and one town authority will share in $2 million to better prepare for natural disasters as part the 2020-21 Get Ready Queensland program.

Funding will be administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) and strengthens the Palaszczuk Government’s efforts to make Queensland the most disaster-resilient state in Australia.

Queensland Treasurer and Minister responsible for the QRA Cameron Dick said every Queenslander stands to benefit from the investment.

“This year has been like no other due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has tested the resilience of Queenslanders like never before,” Mr Dick said.

“However, even as we battle a global health emergency and deliver Queensland’s plan for economic recovery, we also remain committed to best preparing our communities for the natural disasters we regularly face.

“Our $2 million investment will be split between every council in Queensland and will be spent on disaster training exercises, community education materials, online disaster dashboards and COVID care packages.

“In particular it’s great to see some councils using their grants to get essential supplies to our elderly, given many seniors are trying to restrict their movements while the threat of coronavirus remains.

“A number of local governments are also collaborating to maximise their Get Ready funding, including seven north-west councils who are pooling their grants to develop Bluetooth beacons that link to a regional disaster preparedness app,” he said.

“The Get Ready Queensland program puts our state in position to tackle whatever disaster season throws at us.”

Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston said the grants were helping councils build community resilience to disasters.

“Queenslanders have experienced more than their fair share of natural disasters over the years, and now COVID-19 is further impacting our communities,” Mr Thurston said.

“Regardless of the type of disaster, if we take steps to prepare ourselves and our loved ones we will be in a better position when the next event hits.

“Get Ready Queensland informs Queenslanders about the risks they face and provides advice on what they can do to protect what’s most important to them.

“Being prepared before a disaster hits could be the difference between staying safe or possibly even putting yourself and those you love in danger.”

/Public Release. View in full here.