Published Saturday, 31 January, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Minister for Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
EXTRA STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT EN ROUTE TO NORMANTON
A business advisor from the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry has this morning flown to Normanton along with officers from Emergency Management Queensland to help the flood-stricken community manage the effects of ongoing flooding and prepare for possible further inundation.
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said flooding in the Norman River may exceed six metres in the coming days, which may mean the towns of Normanton and Kurumba, already cut off for the past three weeks may remain isolated for up to a further six weeks.
“Having been cut off from the rest of the state for so long, the residents of Normanton and Kurumba are doing it tough with supplies running low and the possibility of flood waters rising again,” Mr Roberts said.
“Two EMQ staff will fly into Normanton to deal with any emerging issues, assist the Local Disaster Management Group, and assist with resupply for the town and dependant properties.
“Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan has been in regular contact with my office on the flooding situation in the area and following representations made by her a business advisor from the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry will fly into Normanton to help local businesses with strategies to overcome problems they are experiencing.”
Mr Roberts said the State Government had already activated a fortnightly barge service from Cairns to Kurumba to supply food, fuel and essential items to residents in the area.
“The Bligh Government is working hard to support flood-effected residents across Far North Queensland,” he said.
“I will continue to take the advice of EMQ staff on what else can be done to assist residents effected by the floods.”
Mr Roberts said other representations had been made to him requesting a helicopter capable of medical evacuations be located in the Kurumba area in case of serious illness or injury.
“EMQ’s fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft based in Cairns and Townsville are there to assist when required,” he said.
“I am advised it would take the EMQ helicopter permanently based in Cairns approximately 113 minutes to travel to Normanton and 140 minutes from Townsville if needed in an emergency but I will take further advice on any temporary relocation of aircraft required.”
Currently 56.4% of Queensland is activated for NDRRA across 31 local government areas.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204
Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said flooding in the Norman River may exceed six metres in the coming days, which may mean the towns of Normanton and Kurumba, already cut off for the past three weeks may remain isolated for up to a further six weeks.
“Having been cut off from the rest of the state for so long, the residents of Normanton and Kurumba are doing it tough with supplies running low and the possibility of flood waters rising again,” Mr Roberts said.
“Two EMQ staff will fly into Normanton to deal with any emerging issues, assist the Local Disaster Management Group, and assist with resupply for the town and dependant properties.
“Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan has been in regular contact with my office on the flooding situation in the area and following representations made by her a business advisor from the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry will fly into Normanton to help local businesses with strategies to overcome problems they are experiencing.”
Mr Roberts said the State Government had already activated a fortnightly barge service from Cairns to Kurumba to supply food, fuel and essential items to residents in the area.
“The Bligh Government is working hard to support flood-effected residents across Far North Queensland,” he said.
“I will continue to take the advice of EMQ staff on what else can be done to assist residents effected by the floods.”
Mr Roberts said other representations had been made to him requesting a helicopter capable of medical evacuations be located in the Kurumba area in case of serious illness or injury.
“EMQ’s fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft based in Cairns and Townsville are there to assist when required,” he said.
“I am advised it would take the EMQ helicopter permanently based in Cairns approximately 113 minutes to travel to Normanton and 140 minutes from Townsville if needed in an emergency but I will take further advice on any temporary relocation of aircraft required.”
Currently 56.4% of Queensland is activated for NDRRA across 31 local government areas.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on 0488 096 204