Promise to fund most of new disaster-recovery centre

Federal Election

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Federal Shadow Minister for Water Senator Perin Davey, LNP Leichhardt candidate Jeremy Neal and Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon making the announcement this week.

A $5.77m disaster coordination centre in Douglas Shire will mostly be funded by the federal government if the LNP gets into power at the May 3 federal Election, the Leichhardt candidate has promised.

LNP candidate Jeremy Neal made the pledge this week to provide $5m for the new centre, meaning Douglas Shire Council would likely need to find an extra $770,000 to get the project across the line.

If built, the purpose-built centre is expected to improve disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience across the Shire and broader Far North Queensland region, according to the council.

“The announcement is a direct result of advocacy by council and is an investment in the future safety of our community,” Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said. 

Mr Neal said the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper in 2023 are still raw in people’s minds.

“During the Tropical Cyclone Jasper floods, the Local Disaster Management Group were using the generic board room at the local council chambers,” he said. 

“We want to improve the response and recovery phases by having a designated centre to work from.”

Operating year-round, the centre would be home to a new council Disaster Management Unit, and would be used by other emergency services, volunteers, and community groups for training.

The region is one of Australia’s most disaster-prone areas and is frequently impacted by cyclones, floods, and other extreme weather events.

Mr Neal’s announcement was one of the first of the entire election campaign to directly impact Douglas Shire despite Leichhardt being considered a marginal electorate which either major party could win.

 

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