Palaszczuk Government to request floods review

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford will request the Inspector-General undertake a review into the devastating floods which have ravaged North Queensland and North West Queensland.

Mr Crawford said the review was standard practice after such a major event.

“I will be tasking the independent Inspector-General Emergency Management to review key preparedness and response elements to monsoonal rains in Queensland,” Mr Crawford said.

“I will also ensure the operation of impacted dams will be reviewed in this process.

“Meanwhile, our fire and emergency services will continue to serve communities in North Queensland with bravery and compassion.”

Mr Crawford said members of the community will be given the opportunity to provide submissions to the review.

“This event has devastated communities and destroyed homes and businesses,” Mr Crawford said.

“There are always lessons which can be learned from events like this.

“People in North Queensland and North West Queensland have suffered a serious loss in the past week, but I know we can work together to rebuild and improve.”

The terms of reference for the review will be available on the Inspector-General Emergency Management website from tomorrow.

Residents in affected areas can access a range of services and assistance from www.communityrecovery.qld.gov.au or community recovery hubs at the State Government Building on Stanley Street or the Townsville Stadium in Annandale.

For more information on how you can help residents affected by flooding and to make a donation through The Australian Red Cross Society, UnitingCare, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland and GIVIT, visit www.qld.gov.au/emergency/emergencies-services/help-disaster.

Media contact: Kerryn Manifold 0428 510 973