Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question. On Saturday the Deputy Prime Minister, the Queensland Treasurer and I announced the Queensland local government package. This $315 million package is directly targeted to support the repair of critical infrastructure and utilities and to support employment not covered by the natural disaster relief and recovery arrangements. Through this package the Gillard and Bligh governments are continuing to support the essential local government work that is so needed to get the communities back on their feet. The package includes up to $265 million to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to fast-track these repairs of damaged infrastructure across Queensland. This will go towards the priority repairs of severely damaged water and sewerage infrastructure owned by local councils. It will also provide up to $145 million to support the reconstruction of the Brisbane ferry terminals and the Brisbane River Walk. In addition there is an upfront payment—(Time expired)