The campaign posters have sprung up like mushrooms and the date has been set for the federal election; Douglas Shire residents will find out over the next four weeks how highly the major political parties value the region’s water security and disaster preparedness.
Douglas Shire Council has two projects at the top of its pre-election wishlist. They are a $6.6m upgrade to the Crees Road reservoir and the other is a $5.7m Disaster Coordination Community Recovery and Resilience Centre.
The Crees Road reservoir upgrade would see the construction of a 10-million litre tank, increasing the site’s storage by 50 per cent.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the proposed Disaster Coordination Community Recovery and Resilience Centre would host direct disaster activities as well as a safe place to access services during and after a disaster.
“It will host training and education programs for local government, emergency and service providers, volunteers, and the community,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“Additionally, it will serve as a safe and accessible gathering point for community engagement, information sharing, skills development, and collaboration in disaster recovery and resilience-building activities.”
Council has been advocating for both projects in the lead-up to the federal election.
LNP candidate Jeremy Neal has held talks about the project with Douglas Shire Council.
“When they (Douglas Shire Council) came to me and asked for a $6.6m commitment I was very supportive and I am working hard on it to get it through,” Mr Neal said in mid-March.
Labor candidate Matt Smith has previously told reporters, “I will advocate for anything that is important to the region”.
Douglas Shire Council’s communications team has this week requested updates from both candidates after it was confirmed the federal election would be held on May 3.
Residents are encouraged to contact both candidates if they consider water security and disaster preparedness high-priority election issues.
