Deputy Police Commissioner Brett Pointing will be appointed to lead the disaster recovery efforts and the rebuilding of Queensland in the wake of this week’s devastating floods.
Premier Campbell Newman said today that the damage to Queensland, in particular in Bundaberg and the Burnett, was extensive and a recovery taskforce headed by Mr Pointing would oversee the rebuilding process.
“The floods we have seen throughout the state may have torn down the infrastructure of communities but it hasn’t broken Queenslanders’ spirit,” he said.
“It will be a massive job rebuilding homes, businesses, roads, bridges and essential services and that’s why I have appointed DC Pointing to lead the recovery process as a full time problem solver and strategic leader.”
Mr Newman said Mr Pointing’s role would be to ensure Government and non-Government agencies at all levels were delivering a cohesive recovery and reconstruction program.
“DC Pointing will work with the community to ensure the recovery efforts are co-ordinated so people and businesses can get back on their feet and life can return to normal as soon as possible,” he said.
“It’s going to be a tough task, but with all levels of government and every member of the community working together and supporting each other, we will get through this.”
Mr Pointing said he was honoured to take on this role which was both a great challenge and a great privilege.
“I’m looking forward to meeting with locals in affected areas to get a comprehensive understanding of their issues and to rapidly determine what needs to be done and in what order to rebuild the community as quickly as possible,” he said.
