Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators Chisholm, Watt, Ketter and Moore, I move—

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) the enduring and lasting impact that Tropical Cyclone Debbie has had on communities in Queensland and northern New South Wales,

  (ii) that the cost of recovery for families, businesses and communities is a shared responsibility of local, state and federal governments and the insurance industry, and that each has an important role to play,

  (iii) that the Queensland Government has proposed $110 million in additional funding to support projects which will boost economic growth, help communities get back on their feet and assist in preventing further damage from future extreme weather events, including, South Rockhampton Flood Levee, the Whitsunday Coast Airport and the Shute Harbour Revitalisation, and

  (iv) that the Federal Government has chosen not to match this funding through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) Category D; and

(b) calls on the Prime Minister to review these decisions, and provide matched funding from either the NDRRA or from other appropriate sources to ensure these vital projects are supported.