QLD:Lockyer Valley residents to pay flood levy

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2011
QLD:Lockyer Valley residents to pay flood levy

BRISBANE, Aug 29 AAP - Ratepayers in one of Queensland's worst flood-hit regions will
pay an annual $30 levy towards preparations for future disasters.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council on Monday handed down its budget, with more than $108
million to be spent on road and bridge infrastructure alone, after January's floods.

The floods all but destroyed the valley's small towns of Grantham, Murphys Creek and
Spring Bluff, and claimed at least 17 lives.

Mayor Steve Jones said the post-flood spend pushed the council's operating budget into
deficit for the first time in many years.

"We remain unfazed by this position and know that over the coming three to five years
we will be back to a financially strong position again," he said.

Mr Jones said he was aware many in the region were doing it tough after the floods,
and was pleased the council had kept its general rate increase down to 4.98 per cent.

AAP gd/sn

KEYWORD: RECOVERY LOCKYER

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