Lockyer Valley Regional Council today welcomed Senator Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Emergency Management, to the region.
Following three severe weather events in just seven months, Senator Watt’s visit focused on the flood recovery, as well as the region’s vulnerability to ongoing floods and bushfires. The meeting, held with Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan, CEO and Councillors, also included Senator Tony Sheldon and Federal Member for Wright, Mr Scott Buchholz MP.
Mayor Milligan raised the challenges facing farmers, international farm workers and small businesses that are repeatedly impacted by weather events, as well as those residents in vulnerable areas. Senator Watt, Senator Sheldon and Federal Member Buchholz MP also heard the range of impacts Council is currently facing, including $20M of damage to the road and public infrastructure network, and outbreaks of pest weeds.
“We certainly capitalised on the opportunity to lobby for timely support for flood-affected residents and ensure future development reduces the exposure to risks, without stifling the growth of the region,” Mayor Milligan said.
“Senator Watt, Senator Sheldon and Federal Member Buchholz MP showed considerable interest in Council’s recommendations on ways future disasters might be better mitigated, including the clean-up and desilting of creeks and raising road infrastructure, which will both lower damage and reduce the damming effects of waterways.
“We also want to see our region’s resilience grow, with residents adopting an ‘everyone is responsible to do what they can’ approach,” she said.
Mayor Milligan expressed Council’s appreciation for the funding that has been provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments, saying the burden otherwise would be “almost crippling”.
Council also facilitated a meeting between Senator Watt and representatives from the local horticulture sector, who are still on the long road to recovery from repeated flood events.
“The Lockyer Valley, affectionately known as Australia’s Salad Bowl, usually produces a high portion of the nation’s daily diet and our farmers are keen to get production of high-quality salad and vegetable products back into supermarkets, but to do so need both good weather and appropriate support from government.
“These are vital interactions that will greatly assist in paving the way for our region’s recovery and future, and I again thank Senator Watt for his time today,” Mayor Milligan said.
