Queensland mayors unite against federal disaster funding proposal

A letter opposing Canberra's proposed disaster recovery funding overhaul has won the backing of all 77 Queensland mayors, who warn their communities would be left covering a funding gap. Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seeking to stop the changes.

Under the proposal announced in June, the Commonwealth's contribution would fall from 64 per cent to an equal split with states. The letter argues this could leave communities unable to rebuild some assets and facing increased insurance premiums, safety risks and council bankruptcies.

Industry and community organisations have also signed, including RACQ, Q Shelter, Volunteering Queensland, the Queensland Farmers' Federation and the Local Government Association of Queensland. Leahy said Queensland would support a simpler, faster system but already contributed its fair share.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden estimated the city would have received nearly A$16 million less if the proposed arrangements had applied during the past five years. She backed improvements to the process, but not lower funding, and questioned whether ratepayers would face the bill.

A federal government spokesperson said funding arrangements needed to respond to disasters becoming more frequent and intense. The spokesperson said the reforms would help councils obtain recovery funding faster, with less paperwork, and urged Queensland to engage in consultation.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain is setting up a working group involving council representatives nationwide. The Commonwealth says existing funding and recovery support will continue for the upcoming season, and reforms will not take effect until further work with states, territories, councils and communities.