Arabic version: رؤساء بلديات كوينزلاند يحثون كانبيرا على التخلي عن تغييرات تمويل الكوارث

According to ABC News, all 77 Queensland mayors have signed a letter urging the federal government to abandon proposed changes to disaster recovery funding. The letter, also backed by peak industry groups, says the proposal would leave local communities to cover a funding shortfall.

The federal government announced in June that it proposed changing the Disaster Recovery Framework, reducing the Commonwealth contribution from 64 per cent to a 50-50 split with states. Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the state government continued its push against the plan.

The letter says the changes would force Queensland communities to choose which assets not to rebuild, while facing higher insurance premiums, reduced community safety and bankrupt councils. It says Queensland residents pay more than 50 per cent more per capita for disaster response and recovery than New South Wales residents, and three to five times as much as residents in other states and territories.

Premier David Crisafulli said mayors of all political persuasions were sending Canberra a message to take the proposal off the table so councils could prepare for the future. The Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Q Shelter, Volunteering Queensland, RACQ and the Local Government Association of Queensland are among groups backing the letter.

A federal government spokesperson said disasters were becoming more frequent and intense while funding arrangements had not evolved at the same pace. The spokesperson said the proposed reforms would simplify and speed up councils’ funding claims, and said no changes to funding arrangements or recovery supports would apply for the upcoming season. Consultation continues through a working group established by Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain.