Funding squabble delivering little relief

A THREE-WAY war of words about disaster recovery funding between the council, and State and Federal governments has revealed more question marks than dollar signs.

The stoush between Mayor Jenny Hill, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the State Government concerns the sourcing of $242 million in disaster recovery funding.

Cr Hill, in a radio interview, said Townsville City Council as one of 39 flood-affected councils in North Queensland, was still waiting to see that money the Federal Government had promised to help rebuilding efforts.

“We’re still awaiting approvals for a substantial amount of that money, so we can begin the work,” she said.

“Council has actually already pre-funded, or brought forward, a significant amount of funding, to get work done because we just couldn’t wait, and we’re waiting to see whether or not we will be reimbursed.”

Mr Morrison, who was in Townsville yesterday surveying the flood recovery effort, rubbished Cr Hill’s claims.

“All the money is with the State Government, she just needs to knock on their door,” he said.

State Development and Infrastructure Minister Cameron Dick in turn slammed the Prime Minister’s remarks as “flat out wrong”.

Although the State Government confirmed they had $232 million in the bank from the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement, $10 million had been forwarded to councils before the end of the financial year to assist with immediate needs.

Mr Dick said under current arrangements the Federal Government was expected to pay for up to 75 per cent of the recovery bill for councils and the state, which is currently estimated at $1.3 billion. Cr Hill said the council wanted the funds as soon as possible so that work could begin.