Disaster funding cuts will cost Somerset ratepayers
Published on 26 June 2026
The Scrub Creek Bridge was upgraded in 2024 to a more flood resilient standard, supported by $5.1 million in DRFA funding and $186,000 contributed by Somerset Regional Council.
SOMERSET Regional Council has joined a growing chorus of Queensland local governments calling for the Commonwealth Government to scrap proposed changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The changes would push the cost of major disaster recovery onto Council and ratepayers, and would disproportionately impact smaller regional councils like Somerset.
The proposed reforms include transitioning from the current funding model, under which Queensland may receive up to 75% Commonwealth funding assistance for eligible disaster recovery costs, to a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement between the Commonwealth and State Governments.
Somerset Regional Council CEO Andrew Johnson said the proposed changes were concerning for Somerset.
“The reforms would place increased financial pressure on local governments and, ultimately, ratepayers,” Mr Johnson said.
“Smaller, regional councils like ours have limited revenue and simply do not have the financial capacity to absorb major disaster recovery costs without support.”
The Commonwealth has also proposed changes to disaster funding thresholds and reductions to betterment funding programs which support councils in improving infrastructure resilience.
Mr Johnson said the increased threshold would mean localised events in Somerset may not be eligible for DRFA support.
“Councils like ours could be required to absorb the full cost of recovery for events that presently qualify for assistance,” Mr Johnson said.
“Betterment has been one of the most effective tools available to reduce future disaster impacts and recovery costs.
“Our region has been impacted by major flood, storm and bushfire events over many years, and the existing DRFA framework has played a critical role in helping restore roads, bridges, drainage infrastructure and other essential community assets following these events.
“A reduction in betterment funding would reduce our ability to rebuild infrastructure stronger and more resilient than before.”
Mayor Jason Wendt said the changes would have broader consequences for the community.
“This cost-shift would have huge ramifications for Somerset, delaying recovery from natural disasters, reducing resilience investment and affecting economic activity following disaster events,” Cr Wendt said.
“We understand disaster recovery because we have lived through it.
“We have rebuilt roads, bridges, and community infrastructure following disaster events, and we know every dollar invested in resilience today saves many dollars in recovery tomorrow.
“The Scrub Creek Bridge and Patrick Estate Road Bridge are great examples of what can be achieved under the current program.
“Under the proposed reforms, future resilience upgrades like these may not be feasible.”
Cr Wendt said Somerset would join other Queensland councils in advocating for the Commonwealth to scrap the proposed changes.
“We won’t let this issue go lightly, our Council is going to make its views known through every channel possible during the Commonwealth’s consultation process,” Cr Wendt said.
Council will sign a petition organised by Minister for Local Government, Water and Volunteers, Ann Leahy, and we will advocate to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain.
Show your support - sign the petition: Stop Canberra’s Disaster Recovery Cuts NOW - Listening to Queensland
Council will also submit a formal submission to the National Emergency Management Agency opposing the proposed DRFA reforms.