MEDIA STATEMENT: State Recovery Coordinators to lead ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred recovery

State Recovery Coordinators to lead ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred recovery 

• Colonel Justin O’Connor (Retired) and former Brisbane City Councillor Peter Matic appointed State Recovery Coordinator and Deputy State Recovery Coordinator in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
• Coordinators will work with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to support impacted communities across South East Queensland.
• Colonel O’Connor (Retd) brings tourism industry experience, a major focus for recovery, as well as army, government and insurance; while Mr Matic is experienced in flood recovery from the Brisbane City Council. 

The Crisafulli Government has appointed Colonel Justin O’Connor (Retd) as State Recovery Coordinator, to lead recovery efforts from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.   

Colonel O’Connor (Retd) has extensive experience in tourism, government and military planning, insurance and business.  

Mr Peter Matic will support Colonel O’Connor (Retd) as Deputy State Recovery Coordinator.  

Mr Matic brings years of experience in governance, policy and projects that significantly impact local communities, having served in Brisbane City Council. 

The State Recovery Coordinator and Deputy State Recovery Coordinator will work with Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood.  

Together, they will be responsible for identifying the specific needs of impacted communities, consulting with communities to assist the development of recovery programs, encouraging community capacity and resilience following the disaster event, and developing a strong State Recovery Plan.  

Premier David Crisafulli said the focus was now firmly on recovery from the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on South East Queensland. 

“Today’s appointment delivers on our commitment for zero daylight between response and recovery,” Premier Crisafulli said.  

“The Coordinators have hit the ground running today. The job is already underway to deliver the recovery needed. 

“These roles will be critical to ensure we send the message that Queensland is open for business ahead of the Easter holidays. 

“Given Colonel O’Connor (Retd) and Mr Matic’s experience, I know they will help our communities, businesses and tourism industries recover as quickly as possible.” 

Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Coordinators were up to the challenge of recovery from the significant impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. 

“We are confident these appointments will help Queensland recover quickly after this disaster event,” Minister Leahy said. 

“Both Colonel O’Connor (Retd) and Mr Matic will also work with the State Recovery Coordinator for the North Queensland flood event to ensure coordination across Queensland after back-to-back disaster events.”