State Recovery Coordinator appointed for western Queensland flood recovery
- The Crisafulli Government has appointed Stuart Mackenzie OAM as State Recovery Coordinator in response to the western Queensland flood event.
- Queensland Police Chief Superintendent Troy Pukallus appointed Deputy State Recovery Coordinator.
- Both Coordinators will work closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to provide leadership, coordination and direction for the delivery of recovery efforts.
The Crisafulli Government has today appointed Stuart Mackenzie OAM as the State Recovery Coordinator to lead the recovery efforts in western Queensland following the once-in-a-generation flooding.
Stuart Mackenzie OAM brings a lifetime of local experience to the role, primarily as a grazier based in western Queensland but also having served as a Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of the Quilpie Shire Council.
Mr Mackenzie is also the previous Chair of the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and founder of the non-profit, charitable public company Outback Gondwana Foundation Ltd.
The Crisafulli Government has also announced Queensland Police Service's Chief Superintendent, Emergency Management and Coordination Command, Troy Pukallus as the Deputy State Recovery Coordinator.
Chief Superintendent Pukallus brings more than 30 years of policing experience – including as the State Coordinator for the Rural and Stock Crime Squad – to the role and has built and sustained relationships with industry advocacy groups and government partners to deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.
Both State Recovery Coordinator and Deputy State Recovery Coordinator will provide strategic advice to government agencies, making regular updates about recovery operations, and leading the development of a State Recovery Plan.
Additionally, the role of State Recovery Coordinator works closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority - and its CEO Major General Jake Ellwood - providing leadership, coordination, direction and advice for the delivery of recovery efforts.
Premier David Crisafulli said both Coordinators would ensure affected communities recovered as quickly as possible.
"Many people in western Queensland have lost everything and these appointments make sure they get the local support needed to guarantee there is no daylight between response and recovery," Premier Crisafulli said.
"With Stuart Mackenzie OAM and Chief Superintendent Troy Pukallus leading recovery efforts, we have appointed two people with decades of experience who know and understand what locals need best.
"Western Queenslanders are resilient, and this is about matching that attitude with action to ensure they can recover and rebuild as quickly as possible."
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said Mr Mackenzie and Chief Superintendent Pukallus's knowledge of regional Queensland would ensure impacted communities were in the best hands.
"This recovery process presents significant challenges and won't happen overnight - fortunately, Mr Mackenzie's understanding of the western regions makes him the ideal person to address the specific needs of the community," Minister Leahy said.
"Mr Mackenzie's expertise developed working alongside local governments and Queensland communities will prove crucial as we tackle the aftermath of this significant flood event."
State Recovery Coordinator Stuart Mackenzie OAM said he would make timely, coordinated activity the focus of the role, building on the efforts of local, district and state disaster management groups to date.
"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.
"My focus remains on making the recovery process as easy as possible for those who have been impacted, and 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 .
