Published Monday, 25 February, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Builder to lead Recovery Taskforce in Mackay
The State Government today announced that the President of the Masters Builders had been appointed to help oversee the rebuilding of Central Queensland towns following the recent floods.
Premier Anna Bligh said Mr John Gaskin would lead the work being undertaken on the ground by various Government Departments and agencies.
“Mackay was hit hard by flooding earlier this month with more than 500 millimetres of rain falling in just a few hours,” Ms Bligh said.
“While the waters are starting to subside the hard work now begins and there is a major rebuilding job ahead.
“Approximately 4,000 homes were inundated and damaged, more than 6,200 homes lost power, the local road network was severely damaged, schools were shut and mobile and landline communications were disrupted.
“While telecommunication and power services were restored quickly the rebuilding process will take many months.
“John will lead these recovery efforts on behalf of the State Government.”
John Gaskin was elected President of the Master Builders in 2006 and previously held positions as Vice President and Chairman-Construction. He is also Chairman of the Queensland Building Services Authority.
He has more than 35 years experience in industry including senior management positions with leading construction contractors including Watpac and Multiplex.
Ms Bligh said she would also ask the Mayor of Mackay Julie Boyd to assist Mr Gaskin.
“Julie has done a terrific job but unfortunately she won’t be contesting the local government elections in a couple of weeks,” she said.
“To make sure we don’t lose her knowledge of the flood situation I want to make sure she is a key member of the rebuilding team.
Ms Bligh said the Minister for Public Works and Housing, Mr Robert Schwarten and the Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, had this morning briefed Cabinet on the flooding situation and proposed recovery operations.
“I have given Tim leave from Parliament so he can stay on the ground in Mackay to brief Mr Gaskin later this week and show him first hand the level of damage that has occurred.
“Our recovery teams in areas such as Emergency Services and Community Services have a done a terrific job so far.
“The Queensland Building Services Authority has also established a Coordination centre to help coordinate builders undertaking repairs.
“Mr Gaskin will oversee all of this work going forward as we move into the difficult rebuilding phase and report directly to the Minister for Public Works and Housing Robert Schwarten.”
25 February, 2008
Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh said Mr John Gaskin would lead the work being undertaken on the ground by various Government Departments and agencies.
“Mackay was hit hard by flooding earlier this month with more than 500 millimetres of rain falling in just a few hours,” Ms Bligh said.
“While the waters are starting to subside the hard work now begins and there is a major rebuilding job ahead.
“Approximately 4,000 homes were inundated and damaged, more than 6,200 homes lost power, the local road network was severely damaged, schools were shut and mobile and landline communications were disrupted.
“While telecommunication and power services were restored quickly the rebuilding process will take many months.
“John will lead these recovery efforts on behalf of the State Government.”
John Gaskin was elected President of the Master Builders in 2006 and previously held positions as Vice President and Chairman-Construction. He is also Chairman of the Queensland Building Services Authority.
He has more than 35 years experience in industry including senior management positions with leading construction contractors including Watpac and Multiplex.
Ms Bligh said she would also ask the Mayor of Mackay Julie Boyd to assist Mr Gaskin.
“Julie has done a terrific job but unfortunately she won’t be contesting the local government elections in a couple of weeks,” she said.
“To make sure we don’t lose her knowledge of the flood situation I want to make sure she is a key member of the rebuilding team.
Ms Bligh said the Minister for Public Works and Housing, Mr Robert Schwarten and the Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin, had this morning briefed Cabinet on the flooding situation and proposed recovery operations.
“I have given Tim leave from Parliament so he can stay on the ground in Mackay to brief Mr Gaskin later this week and show him first hand the level of damage that has occurred.
“Our recovery teams in areas such as Emergency Services and Community Services have a done a terrific job so far.
“The Queensland Building Services Authority has also established a Coordination centre to help coordinate builders undertaking repairs.
“Mr Gaskin will oversee all of this work going forward as we move into the difficult rebuilding phase and report directly to the Minister for Public Works and Housing Robert Schwarten.”
25 February, 2008
Contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500