Fire and Emergency Services Minister inspects CQ storm damage

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford today (Friday) praised the efforts of QFES staff involved in the ongoing response to this week’s destructive storm in Moranbah.

On an inspection with Isaac Region Mayor Anne Baker, Mr Crawford said fire and emergency services staff, and SES volunteers had been “working tirelessly” since the storm hit.

“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) crews continue to respond to requests for assistance following the damaging storm that impacted Central Queensland on Tuesday,” Mr Crawford said.

“The 100 km/hour winds caused structural damage to almost a dozen homes, up-rooted trees, knocked down power lines and closed a number of roads.

“Our crews were in communities at the first opportunity, and have been working since to help those in need. QFES has deployed resources from across the region in response to the weather event.

“SES personnel from Moranbah, Nebo, Dysart, Clermont, Mackay, Sarina and Emerald have led the emergency response.

“Fire and Rescue staff from Mackay have been in the Isaac Regional Council area undertaking rapid damage assessment.

“Support resources including Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews from Rockhampton and Mackay as well as auxiliary firefighters from Moranbah and Mackay have also been deployed.

“Additionally, QFES provided an Operation Support Unit, which consists of a multi-purpose vehicle with a built-in communication pod.”

Mr Crawford said until yesterday afternoon there had been 25 SES callouts in Moranbah for structural support, reporting fallen trees and flooded roads, and another 20 callouts across Clermont, Dysart and Nebo for structural support and fallen trees.

“Many of the jobs we have responded to required tarping and repairing roofs or windows the storm had damaged,” Mr Crawford said.

“Those types of jobs and the expansive nature of the area meant it took time to carry out emergency repairs and ensure appropriate assistance was provided.

“The next phase of our response will involve QFES teams removing fallen trees and branches and general clean-up of affected communities.”

Mayor Baker said Council staff, emergency services and utilities providers continued to restore services and support the community.

“I acknowledge the outstanding work of our SES volunteers, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the police, ambulance service, Ergon Energy and telecommunications providers in standing shoulder to shoulder with our Isaac community,” she said.

“We particularly appreciate the additional resources from these agencies which have been deployed from across Queensland in recent days to work beside our local teams.

“Our collective response to this emergency has again shown we are a region of pure people power.”

SES Regional Manager Andrew Wyatt said personnel were continuing to monitor the situation, and encouraged people to stay alert and prepare - with more rain forecast in coming days.

“We are asking residents to prepare ahead of any additional weather events,” Mr Wyatt said.

“Secure outdoor items, park your car under shelter, ensure you have an emergency kit, disconnect electrical items and listen to your local radio station for advice and warnings.

“Preparations such as these can make a lot of difference and free up our volunteers to assist themost vulnerable members of the community first.

“I encourage anyone who still needs SES assistance to call 132 500,” he said.

ENDS

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