One million dollar bushfire grant welcomed but more is needed

This is the clear message Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Bill Ludwig is putting out to both Federal and State Governments as Livingstone continues the long road to recovery following the devastating firestorm which swept through the region last November.

“The announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison is certainly welcomed news, along with both the State and Federal Governments working towards approving Category C disaster provisions for our primary producers and other directly impacted businesses,” Mayor Ludwig said.

“What we need to keep in the forefront of the minds of both Governments is this disaster will continue to impact on the Livingstone and regional economy for a number of years to come and that funding assistance needs to continue flowing so ratepayers and residents do not bear the brunt of those on-going costs and economic impacts.

“We will be looking jointly to the Federal and State Government to help undertake the studies and assessments to develop and implement whole of shire integrated, long term bushfire mitigation and wildfire management programs.

“I will recommend to Councillors that we consider using the funding towards roads and other critical infrastructure as well as programs that will support long term firefighting capabilities, economic recovery and community resilience.

“We need to take on board the lessons learned from this disaster and in particular work with our rural brigades and land owners to put the long term mitigation plans and strategies in place as expeditiously as possible.

“I’d like to thank and acknowledge Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Federal Minister for Emergency Services David Littleproud, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Minister for Agriculture Mark Furner, Senator Murray Watt and Senator Matt Canavan as well as our hard working federal and state members, Michelle Landry MP and Brittany Lauga MP for their ongoing support.”