THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management
PHILLIP THOMPSON OAM MP
Federal Member for Herbert
Work on a $36 million environmental recovery program has started to help revitalise Northern Queensland’s rich natural habitat after February’s monsoon and flooding.
The program is part of the $242 million Recovery Package funded under the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the first 70 projects were already underway, sharing in $13.4 million in funding.
“Queensland’s natural wonders offer a once in a lifetime experience for visitors and we want to keep it that way,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Thousands of people in outback Queensland have jobs in tourism and we need to protect them.
“The total package of $36 million includes $33 million for riverbank and coastal recovery and $3 million to get on top of pests and weeds.
“We will keep standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these regions and will provide further assistance it’s needed.”
Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson welcomed the funding, as it was important the natural environment and landscape was returned to its former state after February’s monsoon.
“People choose to live in and visit Townsville because of its beautiful beaches and environment, so I’m glad to have been able to help secure these funds,” he said.
“$735,000 has been allocated to reinstating 800 metres of the worst-affected parts of the Rowes Bay foreshore, restoring the essential buffer zone protecting the only road connection to the 1600 residents of Pallarenda. It will also reinstate safe pedestrian beach access on 10 paths in the area.
“$105,000 has been allocated at Nelly Bay for restoring the foreshore and reducing the public safety risk of trees in public council parkland along the Esplanade. Work will also be done to increase resilience for the coming wet season. Money will be saved by using machinery already on the Island scheduled to be used for groyne construction works.
“$48,000 has been allocated to reinstate beach dunes at Horseshoe Bay. Work will be completed in time for the June/July school holiday peak tourism season.”
The work will be completed by Townsville City Council.
ENDS