A world of support for flood victims

Premier Anna Bligh today thanked governments, businesses and individuals around the globe for their concern and support for Queenslanders affected by flooding.

The Premier said donations to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal, offers of assistance and messages of support continued to pour in.

“The sheer scale of the floods continues to shock many around Australia and the globe,” the Premier said.

“With the affected area now larger than many countries, individuals, governments and business have been keen to show their support and help out where they can.

“They’ve opened their hearts and their wallets, with the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal now hitting more than $14 million.

“Many messages of support have been received from around the world including messages from the United Nations, the British Royal family, the United States and Japan.

“The New Zealand Government has also made 15 emergency workers available to help with the recovery.

“On behalf of the people of Queensland, I want to thank everyone who has shown their care and support for flood victims.”

• “I have been following with great concern over the last few days the news of the devastating floods in Queensland. Please extend my sincere sympathies to all the people whose communities and livelihoods have been so badly damaged in this disaster,” Queen Elizabeth II said.
  
  
• “My thoughts are with you and the people of Queensland at this incredibly difficult time. So many in the United Kingdom and around the world have been shocked by images of the flooding and its impact on the lives of Queenslanders,” Prince William said.
  
  
• “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I offer my condolences for the loss of life and damage in Queensland caused by the recent flooding. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these floods, especially the families of the victims, and with all the people of Australia,” US Secretary of State Senator Hillary Clinton said.
  
  
• “The Secretary-General is concerned by the danger to life and the destruction of property following the ongoing floods in Queensland, Australia. He extends his condolences to the families of those who have been affected and stresses the readiness of the United Nations to assist in any way necessary,” a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said.
  
  
• “I understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for not only those who have been directly involved in the floods, but also those throughout the entire state of Queensland, and indeed the whole nation of Australia,” Makoto Hinei, Consul-General of Japan said.

The Premier said proceeds of the appeal would be used by the Australian Red Cross to help out Queenslanders doing it tough.

“Queenslanders will need every bit of help they can get and the support for the Disaster Relief Appeal has been overwhelming,” Ms Bligh said.

To donate to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal go to www.qld.gov.au/floods.

Donations can also be made in person at any branch of the Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, ANZ, BOQ, Suncorp, St.George Bank or BankSA, or at Coles supermarkets.

MEDIA: Premier's Office (07) 3224 4500