North and north-west Queensland communities will benefit from more than $10 million to repair, rebuild and reinforce infrastructure damaged by the 2019 monsoon trough.

The 12 projects represent the final tranche to be approved through the Australian and Queensland governments’ $134.5 million infrastructure package.

A total of 35 councils and two state agencies will share funding to deliver 139 projects that build regional resilience throughout Queensland. Planned projects include the construction of causeways in Cook, Lockhart River Aboriginal and Mareeba Shire Councils and the stabilisation and sealing of a section of the Richmond to Winton Road.

“We continue to push ahead with our recovery efforts despite the effects of COVID-19,” Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud says. “This follows years of storms, bushfires and flooding that have severely impacted huge patches of Queensland.

“Strengthening community resilience requires ongoing infrastructure investment, which is why we keep prioritising spending on roads, floodways and drainage.”

Queensland Treasurer and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) Cameron Dick says in addition to better protecting communities, the infrastructure projects will also create more jobs in the regions.                                                                

“We are steadfast in our commitment to make Queensland the most disaster-resilient state in Australia. That means building stronger infrastructure and that leads to job creation,” says Dick.

“As we continue battling harsh global conditions, it’s critical we’re generating more employment for Queenslanders and their families. Doing that while improving safety in regional Queensland is a win-win.”

These projects are being delivered through the $242 million exceptional circumstances package jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).