Townsville-based Brigadier appointed State Recovery Coordinator

Townsville-based Australian Army Brigadier Christopher Field, AM, CSC, Commander 3rd Brigade Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, will coordinate Queensland’s recovery efforts following Cyclone Debbie, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

Ms Palaszczuk said Brigadier Field, as State Recovery Coordinator, would lead the recovery efforts. 

“Brigadier Field has extensive experience in the Australian Army,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“He is based in North Queensland and he knows North Queensland, having served four postings and nine years in Townsville. 

“Brigadier Field is also well-versed in reconstruction after natural disasters in Queensland and served as Chief of Operations and Plans for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority after the 2011 floods and Cyclone Yasi. 

In this role, he led whole-of-government coordination, and a team to design and develop the strategic, operational, and tactical level disaster recovery and reconstruction plans. 

“He is not only a highly regarded leader, he also has extensive experience in the Australian Army, coordinating logistics and planning. 

“Communities in the north have been through a lot in the past few days and I want to reassure people we are here and assistance is at hand. 

“I thank Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for making Brigadier Field available for this important role.” 

Ms Palaszczuk said the State Recovery Coordinator’s role is primarily focused on ensuring a coordinated approach so communities recover as quickly as possible. 

Brigadier Field is a fellow of the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies and a distinguished graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College. 

He is a graduate of the: Australian Institute of Company Directors; Australian and United States Joint Task Force Command courses; United States Marine Corps School of Advanced Warfighting; Royal Military College, Duntroon; and, Australian Defence Force Academy 

He is a director of Ronald McDonald House North Queensland and a member of the Townsville District Community Policing Board and the Regional Managers’ Coordination Network, Townsville.

Brigadier Field's CV is attached.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier's office) 0417 263 791