Straight talk on flood impacts

FEDERAL member Bruce Scott will speak at a breakfast in Warwick next week.
The Southern Downs Regional Council Economic Development Unit (EDU) has re-scheduled its business breakfast to Wednesday 19 February.
Planning and Environment Director Ken Harris said council’s EDU has worked with Volunteering Queensland and the Westpac Bank to co-ordinate a series of business breakfasts to build resilience following the 2013 flood event.
“We apologise for the change of date but feel it’s very important for Mr Scott to attend and hear first-hand about the local flood recovery efforts,” Mr Harris said.
“Local business people are also keen to ask Mr Scott about improvements for Federal Government flood assistance schemes.
“At the breakfast we will also have council’s Director of Engineering Peter See give an update on the recovery work progress across the region’s road network,” he said.
Mr Harris said the business breakfasts, called the Round Table events, were initiated following the 2013 flood event and have provided local businesses with information and support throughout the recovery process.
“Research shows that community resilience only happens when individuals and businesses are prepared for disasters and have the ability to access resources and support that allow them to get back to work quickly.
“The Round Table events at Warwick held throughout last year gave business people and locals updates from Council’s Engineering Department, updates from Transport and Main Roads department and presentations by the Insurance Council of Australia,” he said.
The council’s final Roundtable event will be held on 19 February starting at 7am at Café Jacqui’s in Warwick (8 Albion Street). All interested businesses are invited to register to attend by phoning 4681 5527 or email jenny.sherrin@sdrc.qld.gov.au