Show must go on in Cooktown

Extra manpower will help clean-up following Tropical Cyclone Ita, with a contingent of low security prisoners to begin work at the Cooktown Racecourse today.

Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said the racecourse hadn’t been spared with the roof torn off the toilet block, track railings down and trees strewn across the track.

“The racecourse is part of the heart and soul of Cooktown and the Cape hosting the annual show in August, the picnic races in November and many other local events throughout the year,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The show must go on and this extra manpower will ensure Cooktown’s important social events continue as planned.

“They will also take pressure off the dedicated Cook Shire Council staff who have been working around the clock to clear debris from the town’s parks and gardens since TC Ita struck earlier this month.

“Instead the Council will be able to concentrate on helping local residents and businesses get back on their feet.”

The contingent of ten prisoners from the Lotus Glenn Correctional Centre has been transferred from the Innisfail prison camp.

Their work includes recognised skills and equipment training that is fully accredited.

Mr Crisafulli said the prisoners wiould be closely supervised during their stay and will only be used to restore public areas and facilities.

“We are determined to help Cooktown and the Cape recover and return to normal as quickly as possible,” he said.

“There is no limit to how long the prisoners can stay and they will continue to be deployed wherever they are needed.

“From Bundaberg to the Cape, the Newman Government is changing the way Queensland recovers from natural disasters to make sure we are the most resilient state in Australia.”

[ENDS] April 30 2014

Media Contact: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627