Council welcomes State Government’s $1 million creek funding

Published on 25 May 2015

Council has welcomed the State Government's announcement of $1 million in funding for the cleanup of debris in Rockhampton’s cyclone devastated waterways, at yesterday's Community Cabinet. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and State Development Minister and Natural Resources Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham made their first stop at Moores Creek for the announcement, where the extent of damage was visible.

Council nominated 64 sites in need of immediate clearing after TC Marcia caused a destructive path of debris and flooding. 

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the funding was a welcome bonus that will help Council advance to the next stage of the cleanup.

“We’ve already spent nearly one million dollars cleaning out the waterways, and this will allow further sites, especially Moores Creek, to be cleared out to give peace of mind to residents who live nearby,” Mayor Strelow said.

“The whole landscape on the north side is about creeks and people living on the banks of these creeks – it’s a beautiful part of our Region.

“The devastation has been a real nightmare for Council to try and peel back and reinstate the waterways and we are determined to get it done,” she said.

An additional $120,000 in funding was also allocated to monitor and report on river health in the Fitzroy Basin.

Council had a strong presence at the Cabinet with Mayor Strelow, CEO Evan Pardon, Regional Development Manager Russell Claus, Councillors and General Managers delivering comprehensive presentations to the Palaszczuk Government.

“A number of the Ministers were impressed with our passion and detailed projects we put forward for consideration – we really just want to give our community the best chance possible for recovery and growth,” she said.