Premier offers sympathy and pledges aid to Victoria

Premier Anna Bligh has offered her condolences to the victims of the Victorian bushfires and promised that Queensland will provide all the resources it can to help the stricken state.

Premier Bligh said that, although too many Queenslanders had experienced the devastation that natural disasters can cause, they had been shocked by the tragedy in Victoria.

“These fires have taken a terrible toll and come at a time when much of Queensland is experiencing devastating floods,” she said.

“But the terrible loss of life and property in Victoria has shocked us all and we stand ready to do all that we can to assist the fight against these fires.

“Yesterday I asked Health Minister Stephen Robertson, Police Minister Judy Spence and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts to talk with high level members of the Victorian Government and offer our help.

“They will report back to us today to tell us exactly what they need.”

The Premier said that much of Queensland’s resources were occupied with the devastating floods in North Queensland.

“But these are two very different disasters and that means that we do have resources, such as fire engines, fire fighting personel and medical assistance that we can send south if needed.”

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