Premier announces disaster recovery leader

Deputy Police Commissioner Brett Pointing will be appointed to lead the disaster recovery efforts and the rebuilding of Queensland in the wake of this week’s devastating floods, Premier Campbell Newman announced today.

Mr Newman said the damage to Queensland, in particular in Bundaberg and the Burnett, was extensive and a recovery taskforce headed by DC Pointing would oversee the rebuilding process.

“The floods we have seen throughout the state may have torn down the infrastructure of communities but it hasn’t broken Queenslanders’ spirit,” he said.

“It will be a massive job rebuilding homes, businesses, roads, bridges and essential services and that’s why I have appointed DC Pointing to lead the recovery process as a full time problem solver and strategic leader.”

Mr Newman said DC Pointing’s role would be to ensure Government and non-Government agencies at all levels were delivering a cohesive recovery and reconstruction program.

“DC Pointing will work with the community to ensure the recovery efforts are co-ordinated so people and businesses can get back on their feet and life can return to normal as soon as possible,” he said.

“It’s going to be a tough task, but with all levels of Government and every member of the community working together and supporting each other, we will get through this.”

Mr Newman said DC Pointing had strong credentials for the job, working as a police officer in both regional and metropolitan Queensland for 30 years rising in the ranks to serve as Rockhampton’s District Inspector, the Gold Coast’s District Officer, Assistant Commissioner and more recently as Deputy Commissioner.

“DC Pointing has had leadership roles during disasters in the past as the District Disaster Co-ordinator for both the Gold Coast and Brisbane,” he said.

“During the 2010-11 disasters, DC Pointing was appointed Executive Officer to the State Disaster Coordination Group and played a pivotal role in co-ordinating the police response.”

Mr Pointing said he was honoured to take on this role which was both a great challenge and a great privilege.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with locals in affected areas to get a comprehensive understanding of their issues and to rapidly determine what needs to be done and in what order to rebuild the community as quickly as possible,” he said.

Mr Newman said there was a long rebuilding process ahead, but Queenslanders were up to the challenge.

“Only two years ago, Queenslanders were faced with a seemingly insurmountable task when disasters struck but showed steely determination to get back on their feet,” he said.

“Working together again, we will rebuild this state.”

[ENDS] 31 January 2013                                          

Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500