Queensland to convene Natural Disaster Summit

The Queensland Government is planning a Natural Disaster Summit to be held in Townsville in April, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts told State Parliament today.

Mr Roberts said large areas of Queensland had endured heavy rain, damaging winds and widespread flooding over the last two months.

To date, the joint State and Commonwealth-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements have been activated in 83 local government areas this year. These areas cover approximately 83% of the State’s land area.

Mr Roberts said following the devastating impact of Cyclone Larry, the Government committed to hold annual Summits at the end of the cyclone season.

“Late last year, I told Parliament a Summit was being planned for April. I can announce the Department is planning to hold a Natural Disaster Summit in Townsville on 22 April,” Mr Roberts said.

“Given the extraordinary events of this year, this Summit will have a broader focus than just cyclones and it will now include consideration of our responses to all natural disaster events.”

The Summit will be an important milestone in our planning for natural disasters across Queensland. I will provide more detail on the Summit closer to the event.

“I would like to record my thanks to the many Queenslanders who have worked so tirelessly in the response to these floods,” Mr Roberts said.

“I would like to acknowledge State Emergency Service volunteers, council workers, staff of Emergency Management Queensland and other government agencies, the men and women of the Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, other volunteers, businesses and residents themselves.”

“It has been inspiring to see neighbours, family and friends helping people in times of need.”

“I also wish to acknowledge the contribution from the Commonwealth with the additional resources and assistance announced by the Prime Minister.

I would also like to recognise the work of the Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Defence Force.”

“In recent years, Queenslanders have wondered whether it would rain again. Many Queenslanders could now be excused for asking when will the rain stop, as further rain is forecast across Queensland in the coming weeks.”

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350