MINISTER INSPECTS INNISFAIL CHURCH REBUILD
Published Wednesday, 08 November, 2006 at 03:30 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel has visited Innisfail to see first hand the progress made on rebuilding the township since Cyclone Larry struck eight months ago in March.
Mr Mickel inspected repair work on the Mother of Good Counsel church in Rankin Street, which was badly damaged by the cyclone.
“It’s another sign that the township is recovering after the devastation of Cyclone Larry,” Mr Mickel said.
“Buildings such as this historic church with its distinctive art deco style architecture are an important part of the community’s identity.
“It was great to hear it will be restored to its former glory as it’s been a part of the spiritual life and streetscape of Innisfail since being completed in 1928.
“It’s certainly fared better than its predecessor, a wooden church, which was destroyed by the last major cyclone that hit Innisfail in 1918.”
“WHSQ inspectors have conducted site inspections and provided advice and information to the principal and sub-contractors engaged to repair the church.
“Staff of the Innisfail WHSQ office and others from Townsville and Cairns have worked tirelessly since the cyclone hit in March to ensure everyone has stayed safe during the mammoth rebuilding effort.”
Cleaning up and rebuilding after the cyclone generated significant safety risks. Asbestos clean up and safe removal of heavy debris, working at heights for roof repair, fallen powerlines, use of portable electricity generators and electrical equipment damaged by water were just some of the risks faced by residents and workers.
The department responded by allocating extra workplace health and safety and electrical safety inspectors to the region, preparing specialised information packs and working with emergency services, local government, employers, unions and the community.
“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to thank the staff personally for their efforts,” Mr Mickel said.
“It’s a huge job to keep an eye on all the demolition, building and reconstruction work going on, but there was no loss of life during the cyclone, and I know the staff are very committed to ensuring there won’t be any in the recovery period either,”Mr Mickel said.
Media contacts: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
WHSQ North Qld Regional Manager Gary Newman 0422 003 875
Mr Mickel inspected repair work on the Mother of Good Counsel church in Rankin Street, which was badly damaged by the cyclone.
“It’s another sign that the township is recovering after the devastation of Cyclone Larry,” Mr Mickel said.
“Buildings such as this historic church with its distinctive art deco style architecture are an important part of the community’s identity.
“It was great to hear it will be restored to its former glory as it’s been a part of the spiritual life and streetscape of Innisfail since being completed in 1928.
“It’s certainly fared better than its predecessor, a wooden church, which was destroyed by the last major cyclone that hit Innisfail in 1918.”
“WHSQ inspectors have conducted site inspections and provided advice and information to the principal and sub-contractors engaged to repair the church.
“Staff of the Innisfail WHSQ office and others from Townsville and Cairns have worked tirelessly since the cyclone hit in March to ensure everyone has stayed safe during the mammoth rebuilding effort.”
Cleaning up and rebuilding after the cyclone generated significant safety risks. Asbestos clean up and safe removal of heavy debris, working at heights for roof repair, fallen powerlines, use of portable electricity generators and electrical equipment damaged by water were just some of the risks faced by residents and workers.
The department responded by allocating extra workplace health and safety and electrical safety inspectors to the region, preparing specialised information packs and working with emergency services, local government, employers, unions and the community.
“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to thank the staff personally for their efforts,” Mr Mickel said.
“It’s a huge job to keep an eye on all the demolition, building and reconstruction work going on, but there was no loss of life during the cyclone, and I know the staff are very committed to ensuring there won’t be any in the recovery period either,”Mr Mickel said.
Media contacts: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
WHSQ North Qld Regional Manager Gary Newman 0422 003 875