Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has appointed Ian Stewart to take charge of Queensland’s bushfire recovery.
The Premier said the former Police Commissioner had stood by Queensland as it faced some of its worst natural disasters in the past and knows the importance of starting the work of recovery as quickly as possible.
“Ian Stewart is a familiar face to the people of this State,” the Premier said.
“He was our State Disaster Co-ordinator during Cyclone Yasi and the devastating Toowoomba, Grantham and Brisbane floods.
“He stood by us during Cyclones Marcia and Debbie and last year’s bushfires.
“I can think of no-one better to get us back on our feet after these fires.”
Acting Senior Sergeant Darren Ward will assist Mr Stewart with recovery coordination.
Sgt Ward from Jimboomba has been on the ground throughout this emergency and was instrumental in evacuating residents from Timbarra Drive in Beechmont as a fire that would claim 11 homes approached the region.
Mr Stewart said the Premier had given instructions that grants and assistance be processed quickly.
“Queensland’s reputation for responding to natural disasters is known throughout the world,” Mr Stewart said.
“That includes the important stage of recovery.
“The government has been quick to respond, processing $351,000 in assistance to 1,900 people so far in addition to funding recovery for the tourism industry.
“This will be a long road but no-one will be left to face it alone.”
