By Jess Baker
Southern Downs Regional Council could benefit from a share in $1 million in state funding to cover the high costs of border control it has incurred in the last year.
The council is one of six rural local governments considered to be on the frontline of Queensland’s Covid-19 border closure with New South Wales and eligible to apply for the funding.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said that while every council in Queensland was working hard to keep their communities safe, it was particularly challenging for the rural councils on the border.
“Across our rural southern border, Balonne Shire Council, Bulloo Shire Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council, Paroo Shire Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, and Scenic Rim Regional Council have been instrumental in keeping Covid out, but those councils have been on the frontline of hundreds of roads, lanes and dirt tracks that cross our border – keeping Queensland safe, and for these councils, it does come at a price,” Mr Miles said.
“It is important these councils are recognised for the efforts they have made in protecting the state, and the Queensland government is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those on the frontline.”
Local Government Association of Queensland acting CEO Alison Smith said the funding will provide welcome relief for councils and communities that stepped up without question to help support border measures.
“We thank the Deputy Premier for working in partnership with the LGAQ and our member councils to find a solution to help cover these costs,” Ms Smith said.
SDRC confirmed it will be seeking reimbursement from the funding made available by the Queensland government.
“Since the border closures program first started in 2020, (the) council has incurred approximately $118,000 in costs and this figure continues to climb,” an SDRC spokeswoman said.
“(SDRC) will continue to support its state partners in the protection of our local community, particularly with the escalating numbers currently being experienced in NSW.”
The Queensland government will consult with the Queensland Police Service in deciding which councils, and how much each council, will be reimbursed for border closure costs.
