QPS Assistant Commissioner appointed Deputy State Recovery Coordinator for SEQ storms

• Queensland Police Service (QPS) Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus has been appointed Deputy State Recovery Coordinator, working with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA). 
• Assistant Commissioner Marcus will support the Queensland State Recovery Coordinator Major General (Rtd) Jake Ellwood in the recovery response to the severe storms in South East Queensland on Christmas night.
• Assistant Commissioner Marcus has extensive experience in disaster recovery in Queensland, including the Queensland Floods of 2011 and 2021-22 and has been with the Queensland Police Service for more than 30 years.

Premier Steven Miles has today announced the appointment of Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus as Deputy State Recovery Coordinator.

Assistant Commissioner Marcus will be tasked with working alongside the Queensland State Recovery Officer Major General (Rtd) Jake Ellwood and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority as South East Queensland recovers from the severe storms which impacted the region on Christmas night.

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

Assistant Commissioner Marcus has extensive experience in disaster recovery in Queensland, having played pivotal roles in the response and recovery for both the 2011 and 2021-22 Queensland Floods. He has also served as the Executive Officer to the Queensland Disaster Management Committee.

Quotes attributable to Premier of Queensland Steven Miles:

“While many Queenslanders in the South East are still feeling the impact of the severe storms, we’re getting on with the job of the recovery operation ahead,” Mr Miles said.

“Assistant Commissioner Marcus will join the QRA to assist CEO Major General (Rtd) Jake Ellwood in providing the best possible support to impacted communities.

“Recovery is going to be an enormous task.

“I am pleased we have the right experience and leadership at the QRA to get the job done.”

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

“Our top priority is the safety and welfare of affected communities,” Ms Boyd said.

“Anyone needing immediate assistance can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

“The appointment of Assistant Commissioner Marcus as Deputy State Recovery Coordinator in response to the SEQ storms is an important for community recovery.

“It follows the appointment of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in the Far North.

“It gives me great confidence to have two such experienced officers supporting our recovery efforts at both ends of the state.”

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 eligible residents in City of Gold Coast, Logan City Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council.

Counter Disaster Operations and Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets have been activated for eligible residents in City of Gold Coast, Logan City Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council.

ENDS