By Dominique Tassell
Queensland Reconstruction Authority State Recovery Coordinator Major General Jake Ellwood DSC, AM, CSC visited the Warwick recovery hub on 20 May 2022 following the recent flood.
Major Ellwood said the region has faced huge challenges and proved incredibly resilient, but there is only so much a community can take.
He stated the Reconstructive Authority and Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) have been working together, and he’s glad to have them so they can get a feel for the bigger picture of the region’s issues.
“It was a really important day,” he said of visiting the centre.
SDRC Mayor Vic Pennisi said the region has dealt with an unprecedented level of events, and the accumulative effect of bad weather exacerbated the recent flood.
The Mayor said SDRC is looking at staffing, and said they currently struggle with a lack of resources and not having the capacity to do everything needed.
He said it is about communication between all levels of government, and this is a work in progress.
“It’s about us all working together.”
The Mayor stated that SDRC would like to be able to access contractors earlier but is bound by the current hiring system.
Flood-impacted residents can access support and advice by visiting the recovery hub at the SDIEA Campus at 163 Palmerin Street in Warwick or by visiting www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery.
