Following a recent spate of severe storms to grip the South East at Christmas, on Sunday, Queensland Premier Steven Miles appointed a Deputy State Recovery Coordinator.
The Gympie region was struck with severe winds, flash flooding and more over the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The current QPS Assistant Commissioner, Ben Marcus has been appointed as coordinator for SEQ storms.
Mr Marcus will be working with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) and support the Queensland State Recovery Coordinator Major General (Rtd) Jake Ellwood in the recovery response to the severe storms in South East Queensland on Christmas night.
Assistant Commissioner Marcus has extensive experience in disaster recovery in Queensland, including the Queensland Floods of 2011 and 2021-22 and has been with the Queensland Police Service for more than 30 years.
He will assist in coordinating disaster recovery operations, provide strategic advice to government agencies, and oversee and provide regular updates about recovery operations.
“While many Queenslanders in the South East are still feeling the impact of the severe storms, we’re getting on with the job of the recovery operation ahead,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“Recovery is going to be an enormous task.
“I am pleased we have the right experience and leadership at the QRA to get the job done.”
Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd welcomed the announcement.
“Our top priority is the safety and welfare of affected communities,” Ms Boyd said.
“Anyone needing immediate assistance can contact the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
“The appointment of Assistant Commissioner Marcus as Deputy State Recovery Coordinator in response to the SEQ storms is an important for community recovery.
“It follows the appointment of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in the Far North.
“It gives me great confidence to have two such experienced officers supporting our recovery efforts at both ends of the state.”
Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp.
The Queensland and Australian Governments have fast tracked disaster assistance through the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
