URGENT repairs are required to flood ravaged infrastructure in southwest Queensland to allow communities to resume their lives, the LNP said today.

 LNP Shadow Transport Minister Fiona Simpson said Bligh and Labor must act swiftly to repair the damage to roads and railways destroyed by floods as part of the $1 billion of infrastructure damage.

 “The Queensland Government must respond with urgent repairs as part of a complete rebuilding program,” said Ms Simpson

 “Many communities have been left stranded and a focused restoration of the road and rail network is essential.

 “After years of drought many are in a position to begin generating an income again but they will need to get their primary produce to markets.

 “Unless the road and rail network is restored in a timely way they will face further hardship.”

 Ms Simpson said 12 months after similar floods affected the north of the state, many communities were still waiting for the government to act.

 “The Gulf Area was particularly hard hit by Cyclones Ellie or Charlotte in early 2009 and many areas are still waiting for remedial work to start,” she said.

“Under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)work only started in August – with the majority of work still to occur.

“The Government must act quickly this time to help flood ravaged communities to get back on their feet.”