Feds need to step up and fund disaster resilience

Published 27 March 2025

In the lead up to the Federal election and following this week’s budget, City of Moreton Bay is calling for an urgent focus on funding for disaster resilience.

Mayor Peter Flannery said there had been a lack of foresight by other levels of Government despite Council’s warnings of impending growth and severe weather impacts.

In releasing the City’s priorities for federal support Mayor Peter Flannery declared City of Moreton Bay matters.

As Australia’s third largest Government area with an expected population of 1 million in 30 years, City of Moreton Bay called out a severe lack of critical infrastructure to ensure community safety as we grow.

“Only weeks ago, City of Moreton Bay was staring down Tropical Cyclone Alfred as it made a direct course to Redcliffe,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“Thankfully, we were given a lifeline when it came to TC Alfred, but this has reignited our call for a dedicated Local Disaster Coordination Centre to provide a vital and modern base for coordinating our operations, response and recovery efforts.

“We know the Federal Government has set aside $13.5 billion in forward estimates for disaster, resilience and recovery nationwide. City of Moreton Bay is calling for just $30 million, a small piece of the pie and price to pay, to support first responders and our community during emergencies.

“Unfortunately, City of Moreton Bay residents are no stranger to natural disasters, with severe flooding most recently in 2022 and 2024.

“Over the past decade, these severe weather events have caused over $100 million in damage, and that’s not including the TC Alfred weather event.
 
“A modern facility for community safety and disaster management is essential for the northern area of South East Queensland, to mirror the extensive commitment made to the new dedicated Disaster and Emergency Management Centre at the Gold Coast.

“Our teams were prepared for TC Alfred but a dedicated Local Disaster Coordination Centre would have provided vital coordination for response and recovery efforts, and resilience.
 
“We are also gravely concerned about the lack of connectivity and reliable telecommunication networks could have played havoc if we felt the full force of the cyclone.

“Inadequate network visibility is still a major issue across the country, and addressing gaps in remote and rural areas, while also preventing network congestion during emergencies, is crucial.
 
“Strategies like prioritising emergency alerts and creating a Public Safety National Broadband for first responders' communications are a no brainer.

“Plus, we need fairer access to mobile and NBN connectivity across our more rural suburbs.

“Less than 25km from inner city Brisbane in Samford and surrounds, people are still NBN deprived; this is pure madness.

“The lack of reliable communication puts residents and businesses at risk, particularly during times of disaster and severe weather events and hinders economic growth opportunities.

“City of Moreton Bay is calling for increased funding to address these blackspots and a reduction in red tape to bring about early engagement between Telcos and local governments.

“This is essential to align infrastructure with community needs and ensure faster infrastructure development.

“A fair share of funding is now vital; this is already impacting our rapidly growing community.

“Today, I ask our local candidates to remember that City of Moreton Bay Matters.

“To help manage City of Moreton Bay’s growth and future-proof our city, we need more funding for growth.

“City of Moreton Bay also 100% backs the Local Government of Queensland’s call for a fair share of tax revenue and we were disappointed to see the same old model trotted out yet again this week.

“We have been calling for a review of the funding allocation that is woefully inadequate considering it is at the same level as the 1970’s.

“I was hopeful that the collaborative might of all of Queensland’s 77 local Government areas would see the Federal Government pay attention to this ridiculous age-old legacy but unfortunately that was not to be.

“As one of Australia’s fastest growing areas, with cost shifting on to local government a serious concern, City of Moreton Bay will continue to advocate for better funding to meet the grassroots community needs that residents expect from their local Council.

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