Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Katherine thanks Councils for their support

Speaking at the Institute of Municipal Management's National Congress in Canberra last month, Katherine Mayor, Jim Forscutt thanked Councils around Australia for their support following devastating floods in January.

Support came in the form of offers of plant and equipment, direct donations and donations raised through a special fund set up by the Australian Local Government Association. Katherine received $157,805 from the ALGA fund. A number of neighbouring Community Government Councils, which also suffered losses in the flooding, also received funding.

Direct donations from Councils, individuals and other organisations raised a further $96,000. Katherine's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Grey, said the money raised has gone towards Council's share of the $2.4 million needed to restore Council assets.

"We have already restored most assets and are currently enjoying newly painted and refitted amenities," he said. "Our aim was to get community assets functioning again as quickly as possible so people could resume normal life.

"By the end of June we expect most of the work to be done."

Fortunately, not many people have been forced to leave the Town and many businesses have quickly reestablished themselves. Although initially tourist visits dropped dramatically, recent figures indicate a steady return to normal numbers.

A Reconstruction Committee, set up in the wake of the floods, set a target of rebuilding 80 percent of the Town within a certain time frame.

"That target has been achieved," Kevin Grey said. "There is still a lot to do and there are still weekly meetings between Council, community groups, church organisations and others to share information and create support networks."

For further information contact Kevin Grey, telephone (08) 8972 1322.

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