THE Federal and State Government has announced more than $19 million in joint funding to repair damaged riverine areas, including flood-affected waterways in Blair under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The funding is part of a two-stage grant program, with the now complete Stage 1 grants already awarded to organisations to undertake reconnaissance work to determine areas in crisis.
Stage 2 of the grants program opened earlier this year and will enable applicants to propose projects where on-ground work is necessary to help environments recover from the impacts of one or more severe weather events.
Federal Blair MP Shayne Neumann joined Queensland Acting Premier Steven Miles and Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon at Kholo Bridge in Ipswich, to announce that Seqwater had received funding for Stage 1 reconnaissance work at the site.
Seqwater have also proposed on-ground works be carried out at the site under Stage 2 of the program. Mr Neumann said the Kholo Bridge (Bell’s Crossing) site in his electorate was an ideal location for riverine repair works to be carried out.
“After the 2022 floods, the area experienced significant erosion and damage to the surrounding terrain, all of which is still evident when looking at the site,” he said.
“Seqwater’s plan to strengthen the banks of the Brisbane River with rocks and native vegetation will help protect the area from future flood damage and severe weather events, like what we saw during the 2022 floods.
“The recovery and health of our waterways is vital to supporting critical habitats for fauna and flora, as well for recreational activities.”
Applications can be lodged for the Stage 2 Riverine Recovery Program works grants through the Queensland Department of Environment and Science’s online grant portal.
Closing date is February 24.
