Townsville City Council’s Infrastructure Committee has recommended to continue providing $22,000 in funding support in the 2019/20 financial year for the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station (CTS).
Council has been a benefactor of the Testing Station for 14 years, is the only Local Government benefactor and serves as a member of the Advisory Board.
Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) Chair Jenny Hill said ongoing support for the CTS is important for disaster mitigation in North Australia.
“Its important Council continues to support the work the Cyclone Testing Station does for the benefit of the region, which is why we’re looking to continue our funding arrangement,” Cr Hill said.
“The CTS provides invaluable services and conducts research for mitigating cyclones and high-wind events, which can help future-proof our city.
“It’s important that we continue to look forward and see how we can build the resilience of our community and the CTS plays a vital role in this.”
TLDMG Deputy Chair Kurt Rehbein said the collaboration between the CTS and Council is a great example of local organisations working together.
“The CTS participate in local disaster management community events and workshops including being involved in Council’s Cyclone Sunday for the past 10 years,” Cr Rehbein said.
“Not only do they conduct research that will improve the resilience of our buildings including post event investigations and analysis.
“They also work to educate the community on disaster management and preparation, which is why it’s important that we continue to collaborate with the CTS and support the fantastic work they do.”
The report will go to Full Council on 22 October for consideration.
