Lucas takes on Local Government

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has unveiled her new Cabinet, following the recent resignation of two senior ministers. The reshaped Cabinet included portfolio responsibilities for three new ministers as well as changes to portfolios. Deputy Prime Minister Paul Lucas was handed responsibility for the local government portfolio, while the Premier took on Minister for Reconstruction. Ms Bligh […]

Negotiations underway for extra NDRRA funding

By Angela Dorizas Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has taken up local government’s campaign for additional funding under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). Ms Bligh met with Prime Minister Julia Gillard earlier this week to seek NDRRA funding for the repair and reconstruction of local government’s water, sewerage and transport infrastructure. Ms Bligh told Parliament […]

Premier backs disaster affected councils

By Angela Dorizas Councils affected by recent disasters in Queensland have called on the Commonwealth to allow reconstruction of public infrastructure, such as water and sewerage facilities, to be paid for under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). NDRRA funding is provided to States and Territories to help cover the costs of natural disaster […]

Crean tours Queensland

Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean, this week toured flood-affected towns across the state. During a visit to Maryborough on the Fraser Coast, Mr Crean reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to assisting local government in the recovery effort. He said additional funding had been provided to councils and shires under the […]

Contingency plans for flood-affected schools

Queensland Education and Training Minister, Geoff Wilson said Milton State School, Rocklea State School and Milpera State High School, had sustained extensive damage after being inundated by floodwaters.   “Despite the best efforts of their P&C’s and school communities, countless volunteers, Department of Education and Training staff and Department of Public Works staff the buildings […]

Royal commission inquiry into flood crisis

By Angela Dorizas The unprecedented flood crisis in Queensland will be the subject of an independent commission of inquiry, Premier Anna Bligh has announced. With the powers of a Royal Commission, the Inquiry will seek submissions from the public, summon witnesses, compel the production of documents and issue search warrants. The Commission will make recommendations in […]

Councils rally to support flood-affected Queensland

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 […]

Centrelink forced to shut centres as flood victims rise

Federal human service agency Centrelink was forced to close customer service centres in Queensland and northern New South Wales today, due to the flooding that has devastated the state.   Centrelink offices in Cherbourg, Dalby, Deception Bay,  Fortitude Valley, Goodna, Inala, Ipswich, Maclean, Nundah, South Brisbane, Stones Corner and Toowong were all forced to shut their doors. The […]

Brisbane City Council reaches out to residents

Brisbane City Council has offered the City's flood-ravaged residents an extra 30 days to pay their rates. All ratepayers in flood affected homes would also receive a $100 rebate on their water bill so they can use the water needed to clean up after the flood. To further assist people cleaning up after the flood, Council will […]

LOADING....

End of content

No more pages to load