The federal government has allocated $85 million in new flood relief funding for Queensland. Source: AAP
QUEENSLAND Premier Campbell Newman has accused the federal government of pork barrelling in western Sydney by unfairly favouring the region for flood-mitigation funding.
Queensland's recent floods are expected to cost in excess of $2.5 billion, on top of the damage wreaked in the wide-scale natural disasters two years ago.
The federal government on Thursday announced a National Insurance Affordability Council which will have $100 million to spend over two years on mitigation works, targeting communities suffering under higher insurance premiums.
So far, only $17 million will go to Queensland towns.
Ipswich will get $10 million and Roma $7 million to raise the level of a flood levee.
Mr Newman welcomed the funding but says it is nowhere near enough.
He wants $140 million.
The premier is upset that western Sydney, a must-win region for Labor in this year's federal election, receives $50 million to raise the Warragamba Dam even though the area hasn't flooded in more than two years.
Mr Newman said the flood impacts on Queensland have been far greater, especially in towns like Gympie, which has flooded four times in a year.
"This decision will break the hearts of communities across Queensland," he said.
"The people of Gympie must be wondering how much suffering they need to endure before the Gillard government puts their livelihoods before votes in western Sydney."
Mr Newman said Gympie, Emerald, Rockhampton, Maryborough and Bundaberg deserve a bigger slice of the funding pie.
The commonwealth also announced an extra $85 million to assist flood-affected regions of Queensland and to help protect against future damage.
Of that, $45 million will go to primary producers, small businesses, counselling, environmental recovery projects and hiring locals in rebuilding projects.
The remaining $40 million will be used for a "betterment fund" for local councils to flood-proof roads and infrastructure.
Mr Newman criticised the federal government's $40 million for the betterment fund.
"We have put on the table $100 million," he said.
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