Queensland councils face a staggering $1.2 billion financial shortfall after the federal government proposed shifting to a 50/50 disaster funding split, leaving regional ratepayers to cover tens of millions in storm damage.

Speaking to Jason Matthews on 4BC Breakfast, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson warned that local councils – who collect only 3% of national taxes – will be forced to drastically hike rates or abandon vital infrastructure repairs if Canberra slashes its disaster recovery support.

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