BLIGH APPOINTS FLOOD RECOVERY CHIEF TO COORDINATE STORM REBUILD

Premier Anna Bligh has appointed John Gaskin to chair the taskforce that will coordinate the long-term rebuilding efforts of storm-ravaged homes in the South-East.

Ms Bligh, who established the Recovery Taskforce this morning, said many lessons had been learned from the recovery of Cyclone Larry and the more recent Mackay floods, and early coordination was essential.

“While we are still very much in the emergency relief stage of recovery at this point, we have learned the earlier we get ahead of the long-term rebuilding phase the faster it can be achieved,” Ms Bligh said.

“And to do this, Government and industry have to work together to effectively coordinate and prioritise resources.

“The Recovery Taskforce for the Mackay floods was established a week after the damage was caused, with insurance representation being added around two weeks later.

“To ensure we hit the ground running this Taskforce is up and running within 72 hours of the storms hitting and insurance representatives are involved from word-go.

“Chair of the Mackay Recovery Taskforce and President of the Master Builders Association John Gaskin will chair this group and report directly to me and Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten.

“We already know from the extensive damage caused that the long-term rebuilding will take many months, but I have asked John to put a realistic deadline on it to give residents some surety in this difficult time,” she said.

Mr Schwarten said Mr Gaskin would lead the work being undertaken on the ground by various Government Departments and agencies.

“Rebuilding will be a significant task,” Mr Schwarten said.

“As a result of the severe storm last Sunday, approximately 4,000 homes suffered damage, more than 220,000 homes and businesses lost power, schools were shut and mobile and landline communications were disrupted.

“While telecommunication and power services are being restored quickly, the rebuilding process will take many months.

“John will lead these recovery efforts on behalf of the State Government.”

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 3237 1184 (Minister Schwarten’s office)

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

Recovery Taskforce Members

John Gaskin – Chair

Building Services Authority

Master Builders Association

Housing Industry Association

Residential Tenancy Authority

Insurance Council of Australia

CGU Insurance

RACQ

Suncorp

NRMA

Department of Premier and Cabinet

Department of Public Works

Department of Communities

Brisbane City Council