Deputy State Recovery Coordinator appointed for SEQ storms

Queensland Police Service Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus has been appointed Deputy State Recovery Coordinator to boost recovery efforts in south-east Queensland following severe weather over the Christmas and new year period.

Assistant Commissioner Marcus will work within the Queensland Reconstruction Authority alongside QRA CEO and Queensland State Recovery Coordinator Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) to manage the enormous recovery task ahead.

Mr Marcus has previously played pivotal roles in the response and recovery for both the 2011 and 2021-22 Queensland floods, and has served as executive officer to the Queensland Disaster Management Committee.

Drawing on his extensive experience in disaster recovery he will help coordinate disaster recovery operations, provide strategic advice to government agencies, and oversee and provide regular updates on recovery operations.

QRA also has dedicated regional liaison officers on the ground working with affected councils to support local recovery efforts.

Alongside Assistant Commissioner Marcus, QRA officers will be embedded in impacted communities to understand disaster impacts and help guide work moving forward.

The Queensland and Australian Governments have fast tracked disaster assistance through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme and Essential Services and Safety Reconnection Scheme have been activated for eligible residents in the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim and Logan council areas.

DRFA support for counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets have also been activated for City of Gold Coast, Scenic Rim Regional Council and Logan City Council.

More information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.