Experienced local leads recovery for western Queensland floods

The Queensland Government has appointed highly experienced local grazier Stuart Mackenzie OAM to lead the recovery efforts in flood-stricken western Queensland.  

The newly minted State Recovery Coordinator (SRC) has a lifetime of contributing to western Queensland both as a grazier and as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of the Quilpie Shire Council making him ideally suited to the role. 

His service to the community also includes stints as the previous Chair of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and founder of the non-profit, charitable public company Outback Gondwana Foundation Ltd. 

SRC Mackenzie will be assisted by Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent, Emergency Management and Coordination Command, Troy Pukallus who has been appointed as Deputy State Recovery Coordinator.

With more than 30 years of policing experience, including as the State Coordinator for the Rural and Stock Crime Squad, Chief Superintendent Pukallus brings a wealth of experience to the role.

He has an impressive track record of delivering meaningful outcomes for regional Queensland.  

Both the State Recovery Coordinator and Deputy State Recovery Coordinator will work closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority for the delivery of recovery efforts following the once-in-a-generation flooding. 

They will provide regular updates about recovery operations and lead the development of a State Recovery Plan to ensure affected communities recover as quickly as possible.  

SRC Mackenzie said his focus is on making the recovery process as easy as possible for those who have been impacted.

“This flood event has greatly affected the communities in north and western Queensland and while they are resilient and determined people, the recovery will undoubtedly prove challenging,” Mr Mackenzie said.  

“I look forward to delivering this alongside the Premier, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and importantly, local stakeholders.” 

Queenslanders seeking information on disaster assistance can visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.