Council’s multiplex not a cyclone shelter

Statement from Keith Pitt MP in response to claims Bundaberg Council’s multiplex, if complete, would have protected the community from Cyclone Marcia:   

“Bundaberg Regional Council has applied for $8million in Federal funding for its Multi-Use Sport and Community Centre through the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF).

“Round One of NSRF closed on 28 November last year and applications are currently being assessed by the Department. The successful applicants will be announced in May this year.  

“The Council has made the NSRF application on the basis that the centre would foster economic opportunities and create jobs by attracting large-scale sporting and community events to the Bundaberg Region.

“As I understand it, the multiplex will in no way be a cyclone shelter but it could potentially double as an emergency evacuation facility during flood events.   

“Council originally applied for Federal funding for its multiplex through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), which the project was ineligible for.”