An LNP Government will make a major investment to help flood proof Laidley if elected on Saturday.
LNP Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald said the devastation of the Australia Day floods in 2013, when floodwaters inundated the township of Laidley, would stay with him forever.
He was the Senior Sergeant and Officer in Charge at Laidley Police Station at the time and helped with the recovery efforts following the 2011 and then the 2013 floods.
"As a police officer, I was on the front line, witnessing firsthand the devastating impact this had on a community that was just beginning to rebuild after the 2011 floods. It was one of the reasons I decided to run for Parliament - to be part of the solution,” Mr McDonald said.
"That’s why today, I am so proud to announce that a Crisafulli LNP government will commit $15 million towards crucial flood mitigation measures in Laidley.
"The people of our region have faced enough uncertainty.
"This investment will give them confidence that their homes, livelihoods, and safety are a priority.
"Flood mitigation is about more than just infrastructure; it's about ensuring our communities can thrive without the fear of devastation every time it rains."
The flood mitigation project will be funded through an overhauled Queensland Betterment Fund, which will receive a permanent boost to $80 million per year, with a $40 million contribution from an LNP Government – the largest investment in disaster resilience in a generation.
It includes improvements to water diversion, infrastructure reinforcement, and measures aimed at reducing flood risk to critical parts of the town.
Shadow Minister for Disaster Recovery, Anne Leahy, joined Mr McDonald for the announcement at the Laidley Recreational Reserve today.
"This is an important investment into the region and the disaster management plan for the state," Ms Leahy said.
"Labor’s failures have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts that could have instead delivered essential disaster-management infrastructure like the Laidley flood mitigation.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Tanya Milligan, welcomed the announcement.
"On behalf of Council and the community, I am thrilled with this commitment from the LNP, which would enable us to make significant progress on our plans to improve the flood resilience of Laidley township,” Cr Milligan said.
"Council has been working on the Laidley Flood Mitigation Project in stages over many years and is reliant upon government funding to turn the plans into reality, so this commitment is both timely and most welcomed."
Mr McDonald said Queenslanders could vote for the Laidley flood mitigation program, and a Fresh Start for Queensland, by voting LNP on October 26.
“Only by voting 1 LNP will Queenslanders get a Fresh Start and projects like the $15 million Laidley Betterment Project,” Mr McDonald said.
“Labor is desperate to hold onto power, but unless we change the government, we’ll continue to get more of the same under Labor.
“This is the opportunity for a Fresh Start with the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”
