Additional Fire Relief Funding Welcomed

Mayor Bill Ludwig said while there were still issues to be worked through in relation to funding for the development of long-term wildfire management the recent announcements of funding to help impacted primary producers and other business sectors directly impacted by the fires must be applauded.

“The relief money, which is being made available by the Federal and State Governments through a $2 billion fire recovery fund, was announced recently by the Federal Government and is good news for Livingstone primary producers and impacted businesses.

“Federal Member for Capricornia and Senator Matt Canavan gave Deputy Mayor Nigel Hutton and I a briefing on the Category D to compliment the already announced Category C assistance measures designed to assist primary producers get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

“Given the scale of the disaster nationally it was also reassuring to hear that the program was uncapped to help ensure no one who is eligible misses out.

“While some elements of how the funding will be rolled out are still unclear and how much funding will be available to address the ‘whole of community’ impacts, the overall intent expressed in funding package is what communities will need during the longer term recovery ahead.

“It was also pleasing to see the Federal Government has allocated $15 million to fund rural financial counsellors and support workers.

“Livingstone Shire will continue to work closely through our established Fire Recovery Task Forces to assist wherever possible in the assessment and recovery processes to help build resilience in both industry and general community sectors.

Council has been told grants will be delivered under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement made available through relevant state disaster response agency.

Further details would be announced as soon as state-based delivery arrangements are confirmed.