Ministers Inspect Infrastructure Flood Damage

20 February, 2008

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas and Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson have inspected damage to infrastructure around Mackay caused by recent monsoonal flooding.

The Ministers cut short a tour of the Mt Isa region to see the scale of the repair work now underway in Mackay first hand.

“Main Roads staff from across the region have been deployed to help the Mackay community through this disaster,” said Mr Lucas.

“Just assessing the damage is a major task in itself, which will take some time yet.

“With such devastating floods there has obviously been some serious damage to roads but thankfully the majority are still open.”

Residents still reeling from the damage to their homes and possessions are being warned to beware of shonky door-to-door traders looking to rip them off.

“Major disasters generally bring out the best in Queenslanders, but can also attract unscrupulous traders and con artists bent on taking advantage of homeowners and families in distress,” said Mr Lucas.

“These rogue repairers are often unlicensed and travel from place to place looking to make a quick buck,” Mr Lucas said.

“In the coming weeks they may come knocking on people’s doors offering to repair roofs and driveways, but people should be wary of their hard sell tactics.

“Door-to-door scammers lie about the extent and nature of the repairs needed, their work is substandard, their charges are excessive and they often demand cash in advance.”

Homeowners considering repairs by door-to-door traders can protect themselves by:

·asking to see a Queensland Building Services Authority licence – no licence, no job;

·not paying cash or paying for anything up front – not even materials; and

·getting a written contract and receipt with the trader’s name and address.

“If anyone is approached by a scammer operating in the area, they should immediately report it to the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04,” Mr Lucas said.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine said major disasters may also lead to higher prices for many groceries and other products, but urged traders to do the right thing by their customers.

“Many of the supply routes to central Queensland have been seriously disrupted and that has inevitably created shortages and increased business costs in some cases,” Mr Shine said.

“This may lead to complaints of profiteering, so traders who do need to charge more for their goods and services are advised to explain the reasons behind those increases.

“Most businesses do not rip off their customers because they know community good will is far more valuable over the longer term than any short-term profit.”

Mr Lucas also urged local residents to maintain good relations with their neighbours when sorting out issues such as flood-related damage to homes and properties.

“This is already a stressful time for everyone in the area and it’s not going to help if people start losing their tempers because of problems with fallen trees and broken fences,” he said.

“It can be particularly difficult where people don’t have insurance and can’t afford to fix the damage straight away, but they may still be able to make some longer term repayments if you sit down together and discuss the options.

Central Queensland residents can call the Dispute Resolution Centre, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, in Mackay on 4967 4404 (or toll free 1800 501 576) and Rockhampton on 4938 4249 (or toll free 1800 817 927).

Mr Shine said the best way for Queenslanders to support people affected by the floods was to make a tax-deductible donation to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.

For further information on the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, call 1800 440 074 or go to www.qld.gov.au/floods.

For further information on protecting yourself against scams visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.

Media contact:

Mr Lucas’ Office: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868

Mr Shine’s Office: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273