February 3, 2013
The State Government has appointed two more Disaster Recovery Co-ordinators, making a total of three to oversee the recovery and rebuilding of Queensland following the Australia Day weekend floods.
Premier Campbell Newman announced today that Colonel Don Cousins, AM, CSC will be responsible for the Northern Queensland region and Brigadier Bill Mellor, DSC, AM will look after the Southern Queensland region.
Deputy Police Commissioner Brett Pointing, announced last week, will co-ordinate efforts in the Bundaberg/North Burnett region.
“Queensland has suffered tremendously over the last couple of weeks, something we are sadly becoming all too familiar with, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” Mr Newman said.
“This disaster has devastated communities, ruined infrastructure, torn down homes, displaced hundreds of families and inconvenienced many more.
“The recovery will be a massive job and as each day passes we see more that needs to be done in towns and cities across the state.
“Each region has unique needs, and with the volume of work required, it makes sense that we divide responsibilities and spread the load.
“The Queensland spirit remains strong and I am determined to make sure we can rebuild and get people back in their homes and living normal lives as quickly as possible.
Mr Newman said the role of Colonel Cousins and Brigadier Mellor would be the same as DC Pointing; to ensure a cohesive recovery and reconstruction program.
“These men are very experienced and bring enormous expertise to the task at hand,” he said.
“Increasing the number of Disaster Recovery Co-ordinators also allows them to have a sharper focus on the communities they are responsible for.
“They will work closely with locals as well as the Minister for Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience, David Crisafulli.
“We are determined to make sure no one and nowhere is forgotten.
“With these men on the job and working closely together, I am confident the recovery can move ahead at speed and this state can get back on its feet.”
