Leaders meet to drive flood recovery

The State Government today convened an emergency meeting of key economic leaders to assist the recovery efforts in flood and cyclone hit regions of Queensland. 

The Deputy Premier and the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the meeting examined constructive ways the Government could support local governments working collaboratively with industry to get flood affected areas back up and running as quickly as possible. 

“The Economic Recovery Group is made up of local governments, leading industry bodies and State Government departments,” Mr Seeney said. 

“Local governments will lead the work on their respective home-fronts, but the State Government has a role to support those efforts. 

“It can provide intelligence on industry impacts and look to smooth out potential bottlenecks in relation to infrastructure needs. 

“The Newman Government will renew its efforts to ensure access to available industry support is clear and ready. 

“My department will also redirect regional staff to affected areas particularly in Laidley, Bundaberg and the Burnett to support the respective councils’ efforts and ensure businesses can access available disaster recovery grants.” 

Mr Seeney said he had witnessed the flood devastation first hand and the Government’s decision to call this meeting would ensure councils are supported in helping those in need. 

He said hundreds of businesses had been affected by the flooding. 

“I have seen the destruction around the Burnett where hundreds of farms have been affected with people losing entire dairy herds and horrific losses at piggeries,” he said. 

“Our initial estimates have some 200 businesses inundated in Bundaberg, about 100 in Maryborough and 12 in North Burnett. 

“My department is working with the Queensland Resources Council and companies to determine initial estimates of lost production and deferred exports in the mining industry. 

“Early indications are lost coal production could reach up to 3.5 million tonnes. 

“The major concern for resource companies is port and rail disruption, impacting Gladstone Port and the Blackwater, Moura and West Moreton lines. 

“Initial estimates of agricultural impacts provided by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and based on advice from peak bodies, indicate losses are likely to be well over $50 million and may exceed $100 million. 

“This arises from three main types of losses: Losses of on-farm infrastructure or fishing assets, losses of existing crop and livestock, and costs associated with returning to full production that includes replanting, restocking and refencing. 

“As at January 30, the Insurance Council of Australia had reported insurance losses of $187 million and this was rising quickly.” 

[ENDS] 4 February 2013

Media Contact: John Wiseman – 0409 791 281 or Kate Haddan – 0418 373 516