Representatives of flood-affected outback Queensland towns are calling for up to $75 million in resiliency upgrades following months of constant rainfall.
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Doomadgee CEO Troy Fraser, Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp, Carpentaria Shire Mayor Jack Bawden and Kennedy MP Bob Katter convened with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Thursday.
Their joint pitch called on the federal government to support the upgrades to prepare for the next flooding event.
It comes after the Gulf of Carpentaria resembled a vast inland sea following three months of rain and severe flooding.
Tens of thousands of cattle perished as late monsoon rains lashed the region with an estimated $100m worth of livestock lost.
Mr Fraser said the trio travelled to federal parliament to garner support for their devastated region.
"We've been cut off for three months. Three months of fly-in food and no fuel," he told reporters on Thursday.
"Where is this normal in Australia? These things are unprecedented and what we're asking for is support and to attract some funding.
"We need to be ready for the next one. We need support to build resiliency in our communities."
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Fuel has been replenished since the towns ran out of diesel and petrol, and food continues to be airlifted.
Major roads and highways remain closed, causing ongoing delays as residents tackle the arduous clean-up.
The leaders have requested $25m to raise crossings at Running Creek, Barkly Creek and Brookdale Invert by 1.5 metres between Burke Shire and Doomadgee and Mount Isa, and $50m to raise the bridges at the Nicolson and Gregory rivers.
Mr Fraser also called for the construction of a $5m disaster evacuation centre for Doomadgee due to the frequency of tropical cyclones.
"Some houses were inundated due to backed-up stormwater drains. As many in the community sleep on mattresses on the floor, their bedding became wet and they required emergency shelter," he said.
"These families had no purpose-built evacuation facility to go to."
Australian Associated Press
