QLD:Qld seeks fed cash for council assets

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2011
QLD:Qld seeks fed cash for council assets

BRISBANE, Feb 10 AAP - Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser says there's a strong case
for the federal government to pick up part of the bill for damaged council assets, despite
there being no legislative requirement.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has refused to commit to extending federal disaster funding
arrangements to damaged council assets, with water, sewage and transport infrastructure
not covered under the arrangements.

Brisbane Mayor Campbell Newman, who has revealed a $440 million flood damage bill,
says the city's mums and dads will have to pick up the cost if the Commonwealth does not.

Mr Fraser told reporters on Thursday there was a case that projects like essential
water assets should qualify for federal funding.

"Obviously there's an issue given the size and the scale of what's occurred here in
Queensland to look at the way in which the natural disaster relief arrangements operate,"

he said.

"I think there is a strong case for items around water infrastructure in particular
- which are critical services, which are essential services - to be considered in this
circumstance."

AAP jmm/crh/it

KEYWORD: FLOODS QLD FRASER

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