A contingent of Queensland mayors has traveled to Melbourne to voice strong opposition to proposed changes to federal disaster funding. Gathering in a park outside a crucial inter-governmental roundtable on emergency management, the mayors raised concerns that a planned reduction in the Commonwealth's contribution could leave disaster-prone communities significantly under-resourced during recovery efforts.

Six mayors flew from various parts of Queensland, a state frequently impacted by floods, cyclones, and bushfires, hoping to engage directly with the federal minister. However, they were unable to secure a meeting, leaving them to express their apprehensions publicly regarding the future of critical disaster relief.

Proposed Funding Cuts Spark Alarm

The core of the dispute centers on recommendations to cap the federal government's disaster recovery contributions at 50 percent. Historically, the Commonwealth has typically covered around 65 percent of these costs, with states and territories making up the difference. This proposed shift represents a significant reduction in federal support, prompting widespread concern among local governments.

Queensland, identified as the nation's most disaster-prone state, stands to be disproportionately affected by these changes. In the 2024-25 financial year alone, the state received an estimated $1.3 billion under the existing framework – the highest proportion across Australia. Local councils fear that a reduced federal share will either leave critical infrastructure unrepaired, burden local ratepayers with increased levies, or force state governments to shoulder a much larger, potentially unsustainable, financial load.

Local Leaders Demand Clarity

Alison Smith, Chief Executive of the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), articulated the statewide anxiety. "We have heard from every corner of the state concerns from our members about what the proposed reductions in federal funding would do to their communities in future disaster recovery," Ms. Smith stated. She emphasized the urgent need for clarity regarding who would be responsible for covering the projected funding gap.

Ramon Jayo, Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire in North Queensland's wet tropics, highlighted the perpetual challenge faced by his region. "We get flooding every year, we get major disasters every second year. So the ability for us to respond and to recover and to get the infrastructure fixed is essential," Mayor Jayo explained. His shire has experienced five declared disaster events in just the last nine years. "We have a very good system that's happening now in Queensland, and I just feel we're being punished for looking after our community."

Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan echoed these sentiments, recalling the arduous recovery following fatal flooding events in 2011 and 2013, which left her shire grappling with $37 million of debt for a decade. "My community doesn't care where the money is coming from, but they do care about the roads being open, getting across the bridge, taking their kids to school, and farmers getting their produce to market," Mayor Milligan stressed. She also called for greater clarity from the Queensland government about its commitment to covering any shortfall.

Federal and State Responses

Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, defended the proposed changes, stating they stem from recommendations made by an Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding. "We've heard through the review and through years of comprehensive engagement with councils, state and territory governments that the current system needs to be fixed," Minister McBain commented. She assured that the reforms aim to simplify and expedite the process for councils, asserting that "no council should be worse off." Consultation on the proposed changes is expected to continue until mid-August.

However, Queensland Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery, Ann Leahy, sharply criticised the federal proposal, labeling it a "sucker punch" for local councils. "I absolutely support the mayors fighting for their communities because this heartless move has stripped local governments of disaster funding and the certainty they will need to recover," Minister Leahy declared. Despite her strong words, a spokesperson for the Queensland government declined to comment on whether the state would commit to covering any potential funding gap.

As consultation continues, the fate of critical disaster recovery funding hangs in the balance, with Queensland communities eagerly awaiting concrete assurances about their capacity to rebuild and recover from future natural catastrophes.