Published Tuesday, 29 April, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Flood review helps Main Roads improve response
Senior Main Roads staff are gathering in Emerald today to assess the department's response to recent flooding in the area and to plan for future disaster management across the state.
The group will review the response to the February 2008 floods in Emerald and the other major incidents in the Gold Coast hinterland, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the department joined forces with other agencies and responded very well to meet the challenges the floods brought, including re-opening regional links as soon as possible.
"It's important that Main Roads takes this opportunity to assess the performance of actions which worked well and, importantly, takes the time to identify opportunities for potential improvements," Mr Pitt said.
"We understand the impact that road closures and load restrictions have had on our communities and industries, and we thank everyone for their patience.
"I would like to congratulate the Main Roads staff who worked around the clock to progressively re-open flood affected roads to traffic."
Main Roads Director-General Alan Tesch said Emerald was chosen as the venue for the workshop because it had been at the centre of the flooding impacts.
"It's important that Main Roads staff have the opportunity to review how we worked together with Emergency Services and Local Government workers to bring life back to normal across flood-affected communities in Queensland," Mr Tesch said.
"This workshop is important so that we learn from the February floods and continue to improve the way we work towards keeping Queensland connected."
Main Roads Emerald District Director Andrew Cramp said he had personally worked with the counter-disaster team in Emerald.
"Many people wouldn't realise that the hard work for Main Roads' crews began once the flood waters receded and still continues now," Mr Cramp said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
The group will review the response to the February 2008 floods in Emerald and the other major incidents in the Gold Coast hinterland, Mackay and Rockhampton.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the department joined forces with other agencies and responded very well to meet the challenges the floods brought, including re-opening regional links as soon as possible.
"It's important that Main Roads takes this opportunity to assess the performance of actions which worked well and, importantly, takes the time to identify opportunities for potential improvements," Mr Pitt said.
"We understand the impact that road closures and load restrictions have had on our communities and industries, and we thank everyone for their patience.
"I would like to congratulate the Main Roads staff who worked around the clock to progressively re-open flood affected roads to traffic."
Main Roads Director-General Alan Tesch said Emerald was chosen as the venue for the workshop because it had been at the centre of the flooding impacts.
"It's important that Main Roads staff have the opportunity to review how we worked together with Emergency Services and Local Government workers to bring life back to normal across flood-affected communities in Queensland," Mr Tesch said.
"This workshop is important so that we learn from the February floods and continue to improve the way we work towards keeping Queensland connected."
Main Roads Emerald District Director Andrew Cramp said he had personally worked with the counter-disaster team in Emerald.
"Many people wouldn't realise that the hard work for Main Roads' crews began once the flood waters receded and still continues now," Mr Cramp said.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819