REGIONAL QUEENSLAND SECURES MAJOR WIN AS LABOR BACKS DOWN ON DISASTER FUNDING CUTS

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has welcomed the Albanese Labor Government's decision to abandon its proposed reduction in Commonwealth disaster recovery funding, declaring it a significant win for regional Queensland and the local councils that fought against the changes.

The announcement confirms the Commonwealth will retain its existing cost-sharing arrangements, contributing up to 75 per cent of eligible disaster recovery costs, rather than proceeding with the proposed 50-50 funding split.

Mr Willcox, who has strongly opposed the changes since they were announced in June, said the decision was a victory for communities across Dawson, where cyclones, flooding and severe weather are a reality of life.

"This is a huge win for disaster-prone communities like Dawson, and I'm incredibly proud to have fought alongside our regional mayors to get this result," Mr Willcox said.

"From the moment Labor announced these cuts, I warned they would be devastating for regional councils and the ratepayers who would ultimately be left picking up the bill.

"Today, the Government has finally listened, and common sense has prevailed.

"But let's be clear, regional Queensland should never have been put in this position in the first place."

Mr Willcox said he was particularly proud to have worked alongside Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, both of whom he met with personally in Canberra to discuss the consequences of the proposed funding changes.

"I want to personally acknowledge Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins, both of whom I met with in Canberra to discuss the devastating consequences of these proposed cuts, as well as Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto, who have also been strong advocates for their communities throughout this fight.

"When I met with Greg and Ry in Canberra, there was no mistaking the seriousness of their concerns. They understood exactly what these cuts would mean for their councils, their infrastructure and their ratepayers.

"Greg was particularly vocal about the enormous financial burden the proposed changes would place on Mackay Regional Council, while Ry has been equally determined to ensure the Whitsundays isn't left financially exposed when the next major cyclone hits.

"These are mayors who know their communities, understand their responsibilities and weren't prepared to sit quietly while Canberra tried to shift more disaster recovery costs onto local government.”

Mr Willcox said his experience as Mayor of the Whitsundays during Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017 made the issue particularly personal.

"I've been on the other side of this. I was Mayor when Cyclone Debbie tore through the Whitsundays, and I know firsthand what it takes to rebuild a community after a major natural disaster.

"We weren't talking about a few potholes. We were rebuilding roads, bridges, community facilities and essential infrastructure, with damage running into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

"Without substantial Commonwealth assistance, councils like ours simply couldn't afford to rebuild as quickly as we did.”

Mr Willcox said the united opposition from Queensland's local government sector had been instrumental in forcing the Government to reconsider its position.

"I congratulate every mayor who stood up, spoke out and refused to accept a funding model that would have left their communities worse off."

While welcoming the announcement, Mr Willcox said the Government must now provide certainty around the remaining elements of its proposed disaster recovery reforms.

"The Government has also confirmed it will retain councils' ability to claim Counter Disaster Operations costs and revise funding activation thresholds, which is welcome.

"However, there are still details to be worked through, and I'll be watching closely to ensure regional councils aren't disadvantaged by other changes to the framework.

"We need a system that recognises the unique challenges of disaster-prone communities, not one that penalises them because of their geography.

"Our region contributes enormously to the national economy through mining, agriculture, tourism and small business. When disaster strikes, our communities deserve the support they need to get back on their feet.”

ENDS

Contact: Amanda Wright | Media & Communications Adviser
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