Media Release: 25 June 2020
Communities across southern and eastern Queensland impacted by devastating bushfires last year will receive funding to employ Community Development Officers to help lead long-term recovery efforts.
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud today announced that five local councils would share in $3 million over the next two years under the Community Development Program to help communities rebuild and recover.
“The bushfires that swept across parts of southern and eastern Queensland last year had a significant impact on many communities and many Queenslanders,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Community Development Officers play a vital role in the long-term recovery of communities, working to identify their needs and aspirations, facilitating developmental opportunities, arranging community planning days and supporting community recovery and resilience projects.”
Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said the blazes damaged homes, isolated communities and displaced people from their homes from Cobraball near Yeppoon to Noosa and Stanthorpe.
“These were some of the most significant bushfires we have ever experienced in Queensland and we know that the communities impacted will need ongoing long-term support to recover,” she said.
“The Community Development Program provides longer-term support to disaster-affected communities, aiding the community to recover and build resilience.”
The following councils were successful in securing funding under the Community Development Program:
- Livingstone Shire Council – for a Community Development Officer to work across Livingstone LGA
- Noosa Shire Council – for a Community Development Officer to work across Noosa LGA
- Scenic Rim Regional Council – for a Community Development Officer to work across Scenic Rim LGA
- Somerset Regional Council – for a Community Development Officer to work across the Lockyer Valley and Somerset LGAs
- Southern Downs Regional Council – for a Community Development Officer to work across the Southern Downs LGA
Funding for the Community Development Program falls under jointly funded Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements – Category C Community Recovery Fund.
Mrs O’Rourke said the Queensland Government was committed to the long-term recovery of bushfire affected communities.
