TC Marcia recovery plan for Central Queensland communities

The Queensland Government has released a comprehensive plan to assist communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said the government will work hand in hand with local councils and communities to rebuild their towns, homes, businesses and economies.

“TC Marcia affected 14 Central Queensland council areas with wind gusts of up to 285 kilometres an hour. Almost 2,000 properties were damaged and many more lives have been affected,” Ms Trad said.

“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) had a sunset clause that was due to expire on 30 June 2015 and today I am pleased to announce that Cabinet approved legislation, to be introduced in the first sitting of Parliament, to make the QRA a permanent feature of the disaster recovery landscape.”

“We will work with these communities, local governments and businesses to help them get back on their feet, to rebuild strong and vibrant towns.

“The Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Plan aims to make it a smoother and faster journey—it provides direction to rebuild the houses, roads, businesses, the environment and through this, the economy.”

Ms Trad said the Recovery Plan would guide the coordination and management of recovery, reconstruction and disaster resilience activities.

“I saw first-hand how this cyclone turned lives upside down and I recognise that many of these communities have suffered from multiple extreme weather events,” Ms Trad said.

“Our government will bring together government agencies, councils, industry and the community to identify key tasks, milestones and completion dates of the work to be undertaken.

“The Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Plan maps out the next two years. Phase one is already complete with post-impact recovery activities deployed immediately after TC Marcia crossed the coast.”

“Phase Two Recovery and Reconstruction is now underway and will conclude on 30 June 2017, while Phase Three will see any outstanding recovery initiatives transition to agencies to be managed.”

“Time and time again Queenslanders have shown they can work together to quickly respond to disasters—we can and we will rebuild a more resilient Central Queensland,” Ms Trad said.

View the Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Plan at: http://dlgcrr.qld.gov.au/information-for-the-public/community-recovery-and-resilience.html

Media Contact:    Deputy Premier's Office    0488 996 667