Assistance for Puerto Rico natural disaster preparedness

On behalf of the Queensland Government, I have offered to share our experience and approaches responding to natural disasters with Puerto Rico, which was ravaged by Hurricane Maria last year.

I met with the Governor of Puerto Rico Ricardo Rossello and offered to host a delegation from the Government of Puerto Rico to meet Queensland Government officials involved in our natural disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Sadly, Queensland is well versed in responding to cyclones and flooding in recent years, but it has meant we have refined our approach across agencies and with other tiers of government.

The Governor and I discussed the role of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and my role as Chair of the State Disaster Management Committee and the phases of recovery.  I have offered to send Queensland Government officials to Puerto Rico to assist the Government.

I believe we can assist the people of Puerto Rico through our experience.