Media Releases
Monday, 23rd February 2009
Victorian and Queensland councils devastated by recent natural disasters will receive almost $70 million in Financial Assistance Grants (FAG) three months early.
This financial year’s final quarterly FAG payment – original scheduled to be paid in May – will now be distributed to 35 flood and 24 fire affected councils from today, honouring a pledge given by the Prime Minister and follows my recent visit to the affected regions.
All up, more than $40.6 million will be shared amongst the Victorian councils devastated by bushfires and over $28 million will be provided to flood affected councils in north Queensland.
This immediate funding injection will help alleviate the cash flow problems caused by these natural disasters and give affected councils the resources they need to start the job of repairing their infrastructure and rebuilding their communities.
For example, a quarter of the houses in Murrindindi Shire Council have been burnt to the ground, potentially affecting its revenue base in the short term and capacity to recovery over the longer term.
Importantly, our advance payments are untied and can be spent by councils on local priorities.
The Government has also provided affected councils with the opportunity to re-prioritise their projects under the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program.
I will continue to consult with affected councils to make sure my Department is doing all it can to assist them to rebuild their communities.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.