Mayors unite against disaster funding changes ahead of severe weather season

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto has joined all 77 Queensland mayors in urging the Prime Minister to abandon proposed changes to the national Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

More than 100 local government leaders, industry representatives, peak bodies and community organisations from across Queensland have co-signed an open letter to the Prime Minister, including every mayor from the Southern Downs to the Torres Strait.

Led by Ann Leahy MP, Queensland’s Minister for Local Government and Water, and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, the letter calls on the Australian Government to withdraw the proposed changes before the impending severe weather season.

Mayor Dametto said Townsville and North Queensland communities were currently preparing for another high-risk weather season, and deserved certainty over future funding arrangements.

“In North Queensland, the question is not if the next disaster will hit, only when. Our communities need the same certainty that recovery support will be there,” Cr Dametto said.

“Queensland, and particularly North Queensland, experiences more than our fair share of cyclones, floods and bushfires. Recovery funding isn’t a luxury for our region, it’s a necessity.

“Few regions in Australia understand the cost of cyclones, floods and severe weather better than North Queensland.

“The last thing we need is a situation where communities are forced to choose what gets rebuilt and what doesn’t, while facing higher insurance premiums and reduced community safety.”

Cr Dametto said the Australian Government needed to listen to growing concerns from councils and communities across the country.

“This isn’t just a Queensland fight. Regional communities across Australia will be impacted if these changes go ahead.

“If states are forced to carry more of the burden, something else has to give, whether that’s infrastructure, services or greater pressure on councils and ratepayers.

“People are already doing it tough. They can’t afford more costs being passed down the line.

“We’ve had months of uncertainty and we’re still waiting for answers as another cyclone season approaches. That’s simply not good enough for communities that know they’ll be on the frontline when disaster strikes.”

As Chair of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group, Cr Dametto said the debate was unfolding as residents were being urged to brace for impact.

“Council’s Get Ready Townsville event is happening this Saturday, giving residents a free opportunity to connect with emergency services, disaster experts and community organisations before the high-risk weather season arrives,” he said.

“Residents are doing the right thing by preparing their homes and families. They deserve confidence that governments will do the right thing too when it’s time to rebuild.”

With the North Queensland severe weather season fast approaching, councils and communities are still awaiting the outcome of the Australian Government’s review of the proposed changes.

Despite public consultation closing on 19 August, the Australian Government has not publicly released submissions, provided an update on the review process or indicated when a final decision will be made.