The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) has welcomed an additional $126.25 million of joint state and federal funding to aid the Riverland and Murraylands flood effort.
LGASA President, Dean Johnson said it was vital all levels of government continued working together to assist impacted communities moving forward and praised the work already being done, particularly by councils.
“The local government sector has been active right throughout this crisis to support affected residents and businesses,” Mayor Johnson said.
“Councils have carried out many important tasks including collaborating with key emergency management team stakeholders; managing road and land closures; undertaking levee remediation and regular ongoing monitoring; managing storm water impacts and amplifying emergency services messaging, amongst other activities.
“This is in addition to ensuring essential council services have been maintained where possible.
“This latest funding announcement is a further example of federal, state and local government coming together and sharing resources to support communities in need and help them recover from this significant flood event.”
Mayor Johnson said LGASA was also pleased to hear that $60 million of the latest funding package will be allocated to aid councils and Green Industries SA with waste management and clean up.
More than 25 councils and regional LGAs have provided direct support to affected Riverland and Murraylands councils and the State Emergency Service to date.
LGASA has also played an active role throughout the emergency, representing the views of the impacted councils and the broader sector in State Emergency Centre briefings, facilitating resource sharing and holding relevant information sessions with impacted councils on key challenges, Mayor Johnson said.
The nine local government areas eligible for the funding are Alexandrina Council, Berri Barmera Council, Coorong District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray, District Council of Loxton Waikerie, Mid Murray Council, Murray Bridge Council, Pastoral Unincorporated Area and Renmark Paringa Council.
