JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT: State Recovery Coordinator appointed to lead flood recovery in the north
- The Crisafulli Government has appointed Andrew Cripps as State Recovery Coordinator in response to the north Queensland flood event.
- Mr Cripps will work closely with Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood to lead recovery in the north.
- Born and raised in Tully, Mr Cripps is a strong advocate for the region and well versed in the needs of communities and councils.
The Crisafulli Government has appointed Andrew Cripps as the State Recovery Coordinator to spearhead the recovery efforts in north Queensland following the devastating flood event.
A generational north Queenslander, Andrew Cripps was born and raised in the farming town of Tully and brings a wealth of local knowledge, government experience and leadership to the role.
As Queensland's State Recovery Coordinator, Mr Cripps will be responsible for identifying the specific recovery needs of impacted communities, providing strategic advice to government agencies, regular updates about recovery operations, and leading the development of a State Recovery Plan.
Mr Cripps will work closely with Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood, providing leadership, coordination, direction and advice for the delivery of recovery efforts in impacted communities.
Premier David Crisafulli said Mr Cripps would ensure a strong coordinated response to help regional communities rebuild as quickly as possible.
"This flood event has left a trail of destruction across the north – devastating homes, businesses and critical infrastructure," Premier Crisafulli said.
"The road to recovery is a long one, but one that requires strong leadership and local experience.
"This recovery isn't just about rebuilding; it's about building back stronger than ever and our government is up to the challenge of delivering that."
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said Mr Cripps will take charge of the operation and work hand-in-glove with impacted communities.
"Recovery will be complex. It's going to take time. But Andrew's understanding of the north and the communities means he is perfectly placed to deliver what's needed on the ground," Minister Leahy said.
"His extensive experience supporting councils and serving Queenslanders will be invaluable as we continue to face the challenge of this disaster head on.
"The government stands by all Queenslanders suffering the devastating impacts of this flood event, and together we'll keep working every day to see this recovery through."
Andrew Cripps said he was determined to deliver real outcomes for impacted communities.
"This serious flood event has had a significant impact on communities and industries across north Queensland and the recovery process will no doubt be lengthy and difficult," Mr Cripps said.
"As a proud north Queenslander, I had no hesitation in accepting the Premier's request to serve in this role and build on the strong response that local, district and state disaster management groups have undertaken to date.
"I look forward to working with Major General Ellwood and the QRA, the Premier and his Ministers and local communities across the impacted regions to deliver an effective recovery effort in a timely fashion."
Queenslanders seeking information on disaster assistance can visit www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp .
