The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has been active since the onset of the recent floods, providing support for community recovery, including funding for disaster operations and public asset repairs. Recovery is a complex process affecting not just infrastructure but also people's mental health.
Jake Ellwood, CEO of the QRA, was in the Burdekin recently. He discussed the organisation's role in disaster recovery, while giving a recovery timeline as he explains.
“I've seen the impacts from north to south, and people should understand it will be a big job. We think it's really important to make sure that there is a seamless transition from response into recovery. We're already looking at what recovery might look like during the event,” Jake says.
“For some it could be days if the impact is minor, for some weeks, for some others it could be months, while there will be others out there who have been impacted, whether economically or mentally, where it can take some people years to recover from. Additionally, some of those bigger pieces of infrastructure have to be replanned and then executed to roll out. Invariably, there will be some who will bounce back quickly, and some who recover slowly,” Jake emphasises.
Ellwood stresses the need for community support and a collaborative effort involving local councils, state, and federal governments, during this recovery timeline.
“This has been a very significant event. The QRA has been on the ground since the rain began. We make sure that we get appropriate support to communities. We make sure there are activations to provide counter disaster operations funding in a timely fashion, repair of essential public assets, and then we look at a range of measures that may help communities recover. And recovering is hard.”
“Often those who are surrounded by family and friends and community, they're the ones who invariably bounce back better. But if you're struggling, reach out to a friend, family member, council, a community recovery hotline where people are waiting to assist you. Don’t suffer in silence,” Jake stresses.
“From community to council to state and federal government. We only get through these events via a full team effort. Queenslanders are tough, and we will bounce back stronger.”
CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Jake Ellwood, stresses not to suffer in silence, support is there for those affected. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
