The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed the Federal government’s $315 million relief package for disaster hit communities.

 

Treasurer Wayne Swan’s announcement of a $315 million relief package to support the state’s reconstruction effort was the lift Queenslanders needed as they continued the job of putting the “summer of sorrow’’ behind them, LGAQ president Phillip Bell said.

 

Rural and remote councils had also been given help by the government to retain work crews needed to repair damaged roads and bridges.

 

“This is a win for common sense and a real boost for regional communities striving to get back on their feet in the wake of these disasters,’’ Cr Bell said.

 

“Not only does the Federal government understand the enormity of this disaster, it realises the crucial role it has to play in getting the heartland of Australia pumping strongly again.’’

 

Cr Bell said disaster-struck councils will be able to plan the recovery of their communities with a level of help from both higher levels of governments.

 

“That puts them on a firmer footing to clear the financial hurdles confronting them as the reconstruction task progresses,’’ he said.

 

“We will be working closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to make sure that this recovery package is directed in a timely way to the communities that need it most.’’