Minister praises resilient Mount Isa community

Published Wednesday, 29 July, 2015 at 09:57 AM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Jo-Ann Miller

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller has praised the resilience of the Mount Isa community and paid tribute to the police and emergency services for their ongoing response to yesterday’s tragedy.

Visiting Mount Isa today, Minister Miller said the community was showing immense strength in what was an extremely sad and challenging time.

“The Government’s thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who tragically lost their lives here yesterday,” Minister Miller said.

“I want to thank our police and emergency services who have been working around the clock for their hard work and dedication. Specialist officers from Brisbane arrived yesterday to begin the painstaking effort to formally identify those who died. Those efforts will continue today.

“Counsellors, chaplains and other support staff have also been deployed to ensure all of our police and emergency services who have been exposed to trauma get the support they need too.”

Minister Miller said police were working hard to minimise disruption to residents.

“While the police investigation is ongoing, some people won't be able to return home, but everyone can rest assured that police are working as fast as they can to ensure they are able to return soon. Everyone has shown incredible patience and I thank them for that.

“A community recovery hub has been set up at the Mount Isa Civic Centre for any residents who are displaced and can't stay with family or friends and Department of Communities staff are on hand to provide support and advice to anyone who needs it.

“This is such a tight-knit community and I know it's going to be a long journey to recovery, but it has been so heartening to see everyone in Mount Isa rally together to help out and support each other.

“The Palaszczuk Government stands ready to assist in any way we can and will provide support to the community for as long as it takes.”

For assistance contact:

  • Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349
  • Lifeline 24 Crisis Counselling  13 11 14
  • Police Link  13 14 44

[ENDS] July 29

Media contact: Brent Davidson (in Mount Isa) 0438 696 185