Landowners with properties impacted by flooding across Queensland’s north west and central west are being encouraged to apply for assistance to repair or replace damaged boundary fencing.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Transport and Main Roads (TMR) would assist landowners to reinstate boundary fencing between privately owned land and state-controlled roads.
“Animals on the road pose a significant safety risk to drivers, especially along major freight routes in north west Queensland, so fixing boundary fences to prevent stock from wandering is a priority,” Mr Bailey said.
“TMR has been working to access emergency funds under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to assist property owners in reinstating fencing next to state-controlled roads.
“As of 18th June 2019, 14 property owners have been in contact with TMR seeking access to this initiative, however additional property owners may be eligible.
“If you believe you are eligible for this assistance, I encourage you to contact TMR at cloncurry.office@tmr.qld.gov.au.
“Mr Bailey said in addition to the financial assistance being offered by TMR, Queensland Rail had teamed up with BlazeAid to donate surplus rail to flood-affected farmers in Central West Queensland.
“Queensland Rail recently donated almost a kilometre of surplus rail to assist flood-affected properties near Winton, Corfield and Oondooroo to help rebuild fencing and other structures that were washed away in these devastating floods,” Mr Bailey said.
“I’m proud of how our state has come together to provide support to fellow Queenslanders in a time of need and know that this donation will go a long way in repairing some of the affected properties and easing the financial burden associated with the damage.
“Queensland Rail will continue to identify surplus rail for donation, assisting BlazeAid’s continued disaster relief efforts.
“Donations for impacted farmers and residents can be made through BlazeAid, who help to rebuild homes and structures that have been damaged through natural disasters.
Overview of funding rules
- The fencing must directly adjoin a state-controlled road.
- Fencing must fall within one of the Local Government Areas activated for financial relief measures under the DRFA.
- Damage must also have been sustained during the January/February 2019 event.
- Eligible reconstruction works will be jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the DRFA.
This article was first published in The Fence magazine.
