Douglas Shire Council staff are marking Day 88 since commencing work on the extraordinary ex-tropical cyclone Jasper recovery effort by clocking more than 65,000 hours.
CEO, Rachel Brophy has thanked every member of the dedicated team who is working tirelessly on the Shire rebuild, and those who are ensuring the Council’s regular services continue.
“Our hard-working staff have stepped up during challenging times and given their all to Council and community and I couldn’t be more proud and grateful,” Ms Brophy said.
“Like many in our Shire, they suffered damage to their own homes and personal heartache, but that hasn’t stopped them doing their job day after day often in stressful and difficult conditions.”
Ms Brophy said during Cyclone Jasper the Council offices in Mossman were cut off by water and road damage. Many staff slept in the office and went to heroic efforts to help their neighbours and communities.
“Many of our communities remain cut off or have limited access, including Degarra which has been left devastated, as well as Cape Tribulation and China Camp. A number of community members are also living in temporary accommodation due to severe damage to their homes,” Ms Brophy said.
“I’m grateful for the ongoing support our Council and communities is receiving from the State Government, including the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and the Department of Tourism and Sport.”
Disaster response and recovery is locally lead and State supported. Through the support of the State Government, Council has been able to;
- Resupply 66,000L of fuel to isolated communities
- Resupply over 5,400L of water
- Coordinated 21 community and business recovery hubs
Ms Brophy thanked staff today and confirmed the resignation of a much-valued member of the team. PMO Manager Scott Hahne has worked with the Council for more than 9 years.
“Scott is an experienced engineer who has led the rebuild of the Shire after previous natural disasters,” Ms Brophy said.
“We wish him all the best in future endeavours.”
