SENATOR THE HON LINDA REYNOLDS CSC
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND NORTH QUEENSLAND RECOVERY
THE HON CORALEE O’ROURKE MP
MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES AND MINISTER FOR DISABILITY SERVICES AND SENIORS
Residents affected by the unprecedented bushfires in Central Queensland last year will benefit from funding for long-term community development as they continue to recover.
Funding for the Community Development Program falls under the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) through Category C Community Recovery Funds (CRF).
Minister for Emergency Management and North Queensland Recovery Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds said the bushfires in November and December last year had a devastating impact on many Central Queensland communities.
“Gladstone Regional Council, Livingstone Shire Council and Mackay Regional Council will share in more than $1 million over the next two years to deliver the Community Development Program in bushfire-impacted communities,” Minister Reynolds said.
“To help with the ongoing recovery process, these three councils will deliver services such as community development and engagement activities to eight local government areas across Central Queensland.
“We know the impact of natural disasters, such as these bushfires, can be significant and communities need long-term support to recover.
“The Commonwealth and Queensland governments continue to work closely to ensure affected communities receive the support they need to recover.”
Queensland Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said the Community Development Program provides medium to longer-term support to disaster-affected communities, aiding individuals, family and the community to recover and build resilience.
“The program includes hiring Community Development Officers within the local community,” Minister O’Rourke said.
“Under the funding, Gladstone Regional Council will provide services for the Gladstone, Banana and Bundaberg local government areas.
“Livingstone Shire Council will deliver services for the Livingstone, Rockhampton and Central Highlands local government areas and Mackay Regional Council will deliver services for the Mackay and Isaac local government areas.
“Our focus continues to be providing impacted communities with services that ensure they are able to build resilience to recover from future disaster events.”
