Minister returns to Central Queensland six months on from Cyclone Marcia

Published Wednesday, 26 August, 2015 at 10:30 AM

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

Six months on from the destruction of Cyclone Marcia, Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jo-Ann Miller has returned to Central Queensland for a first-hand progress report on the community’s recovery.

Minister Miller was joined by Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga on a visit to North Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Byfield today to meet residents who were affected by the Category 5 system in February.

“As Central Queensland felt the full force of Marcia’s destructive winds, we said that the Palaszczuk Government would be with the community every step of the way – and we meant it,” Minister Miller said.

“Six months have now passed and while things look mostly back to normal – it is important to remember that it can take a long time for families, businesses and the wider community to recover – both financially and emotionally.

“I’m here today to make it clear to the Mayor and to the community that we’re committed to ensuring any assistance still required by the community is provided quickly.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Palaszczuk Labor Government was committed to ongoing community recovery support as well as support in the lead up to the bushfire and summer disaster season.

“I invited Minister Miller here not just to see the resilience of our community but so that she could talk directly to affected residents and the wider community about our needs as we prepare for what could be a very busy bushfire season,” Ms Lauga said.

“I’ve been grateful for the support of all of our rural firies who have been working hard over the last few months as part of Taskforce Marcia to reduce the impact of greater-than-usual fuel loads as a result of downed trees and vegetation.

“But there is more work to do. My top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all locals and I’ve moved to ensure that any additional resources that our community needs as part of our ongoing recovery from Marcia and preparation for the season ahead are delivered.”

[ENDS] August 26

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185