With three quarters of Queensland declared a disaster zone, councils and shires across Australia have thrown their support behind the flood recovery effort.

In South Australia, the Local Government Association offered to deploy personnel to flood-affected communities in Queensland to repair damaged infrastructure.

LGA president Felicity-ann Lewis directly contacted the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to offer its member councils extra staff.

“We have offered to coordinate a maintenance team of volunteers from SA councils to assist Queensland councils in any way that they need us,” Cr Lewis said.

“It is at times like this that we need to think across State borders and recognise, as has been said, that this is not a Queensland disaster, it is a disaster for the whole of Australia.”

The president of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), Barry Easther, called on councils across the State to dig deep and offer financial assistance to Queensland’s flood-affected communities.

“This is a disaster of epic proportions, a literal war zone, and Tasmanian councils stand ready to assist in whatever way they can,” Cr Easther said.

“I implore all councils to contribute financially to the flood appeal and to those in the community that have been assisted in the past and those that have been fortunate not to have suffered such tragedy, please dig deep.”

LGAT members also offered to deploy volunteers to assist in the rebuilding process.

“Infrastructure will become important as the days go on and I am sure that we will be able to help with expertise, manpower or whatever else might be required,” Cr Easther said.

The Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA) of New South Wales last week reported that a number of member councils had donated to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, with pledges ranging from $10,000 to $200,000.

Capital city mayors were also quick to respond to the flood disaster.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore on Friday pledged $200,000 to support Queensland flood victims and offered Brisbane City Council extra resources, clean up crews and equipment.

“We send strong support and practical help, and I have recommended the City give a donation of $200,000 to the Queensland Premier's Disaster relief appeal, given the scale of the crisis,” Cr Moore said.

She said the proposal will be considered at an extraordinary council meeting on January 31. The donation will be made to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
 
Lord Mayor of Adelaide Stephen Yarwood last week announced his plan to donate revenue from council-run carparks operating near Adelaide Oval during the international Twenty20 cricket match between Australia and England.

“If a special meeting of Council next week approves, those moneys will be give to the relief fund together with a doubling of these funds from the corporation,” he said.

“This is a calamity of immense proportions and I’m sure Adelaide will want Queenslanders to know that they have our support when they really need it right now.”

Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal: www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

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