Queensland Mayors Unite to Oppose Disaster Funding Cuts

Queensland's 77 mayors have united in a letter to the Prime Minister, calling for the federal government to abandon proposed changes to disaster recovery funding. The mayors argue that the changes would leave local communities to foot the bill, with potentially devastating consequences.

The proposed changes to the Disaster Recovery Framework would reduce the federal government's contribution from 64 per cent to a 50-50 split with states. The Queensland mayors, along with peak industry groups, claim that this would force communities to choose which assets not to rebuild, while facing higher insurance premiums, reduced community safety, and potentially bankrupt councils.

"Your proposed funding cuts will mean Queensland communities are forced to choose which assets not to rebuild, while facing higher insurance premiums, reduced community safety, and bankrupt councils," the letter states.

Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy has written to the Prime Minister, expressing her concerns about the proposed changes. She notes that Queensland already pays its "fair share" and would support changes that make the system "simpler and faster".

"Per capita, Queensland residents pay over 50 per cent more for disaster response and recovery than New South Wales residents, and three to five times as much as residents of other states and territories," the letter states.

The letter has been signed by all Queensland mayors and peak industry groups, including the Queensland Farmers' Federation, Q Shelter, Volunteering Queensland, RACQ, and the Local Government Association of Queensland.

A federal government spokesperson said the changes are necessary because disasters are becoming more frequent and intense, and funding arrangements have not "evolved at the same pace".

"We're urging the Queensland government to engage with this process rather than stoking fear among councils and communities," the spokesperson said. "Our discussions with councils have made it clear there are opportunities for improvements in the way not only the commonwealth, but the state approaches disaster recovery."

The spokesperson claimed that the changes would make the process for claiming disaster funding simpler and faster for councils.

"They will mean councils can get the funding they need to support communities faster and with less red tape," they said.

Premier David Crisafulli said the state government is pushing the issue due to concern among community leaders, and that the federal treasurer's mid-year update is an opportunity to "take it off the table".

"Across the board local governments, and that's all mayors of all political persuasions are sending a message, " he said. "It is a cry for help to Canberra and that is, take it off the table so they can prepare now and into the future."

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said if the proposal was in place over the past five years, the city would have lost nearly $16 million. She expressed concerns about the uncertainty of who would foot the bill under the proposal.

"We are supportive of improving and streamlining the process we are not supportive of less funding support," she said. "Would it then be passed onto ratepayers?" Cr Eden said. "We don't have the money we have got a cost of living crisis."