Deputy State Recovery Coordinator appointed for FNQ recovery

• Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM has been appointed Deputy State Recovery Coordinator, working with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority .
• Deputy Commissioner Wassing will assist the Queensland State Recovery Coordinator Major General (Rtd) Jake Ellwood with the recovery response in Far North Queensland following Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
• Deputy Commissioner Wassing has extensive experience in disaster recovery in Queensland and Victoria, having played pivotal roles in the 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria and 2017 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Premier Steven Miles has today announced the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM as the Deputy State Recovery Coordinator.

Deputy Commissioner Wassing will be tasked with working alongside Queensland State Recovery Coordinator Major General (Rtd) Jake Ellwood and Queensland Reconstruction Authority as the Far North recovers from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

He will assist in coordinating disaster recovery operations, provide strategic advice to government agencies, give regular updates about recovery operations, and oversee recovery operations.

Deputy Commissioner Wassing has extensive experience in disaster recovery in Queensland and Victoria, having played pivotal roles in 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria and 2017 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Communities are facing multiple challenges including restoring essential services such as electricity and water, repairing damage to roads and other infrastructure, making houses habitable again, and reopening businesses.

Government will now begin the process of rebuilding, as floodwaters recede.

Quotes attributable to Premier of Queensland Steven Miles

“Queenslanders in the Far North have done a great job bearing with the impact of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

“Now the clean up begins and the recovery is in full force. 

“Deputy Commissioner Wassing will join the QRA to assist CEO Major General (Rtd) Jake Elwood in providing the best possible support to the impacted communities.

“With extensive impacts to primary producers, small businesses, tourism and massive damage to infrastructure, recovery is going to be a big task.

“I’m confident we have the right experience and leadership to get the job done.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister responsible for Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd:

“The government stands by all Queenslanders suffering the devastating impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper,” Ms Boyd said.

“Our top priority is the safety and welfare of flood-hit communities and anyone needing immediate assistance can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

“As the long road to recovery will require a broad approach, Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing’s experience in disaster recovery management will be invaluable and I welcome him as he transitions to work with QRA.”

Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.

The Queensland and Australian Governments have fast tracked disaster assistance through the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

DRFA Assistance available:

Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme and Essential Services Reconnection Scheme have been activated for Cairns, select localities in Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

Counter Disaster Operations and Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets have been activated for: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

ENDS

Media Contact: Bill Walker - 0437 859 987