Opposition Leader Urges Support For Flood Appeal

Media release.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has congratulated emergency services workers and volunteers for their ongoing efforts to help others in the wake of flooding in numerous centres and regions in the state.

“Frontline emergency services workers have been tireless in their efforts to evacuate those at risk of flooding and to support the numerous local communities hit hard by the floods and severe weather,” Ms Palaszczuk said during a visit to several flood-affected communities in South East Queensland today.

“Once again we have seen all three levels of government working together to address the many problems such events deliver.

“Local mayors and their councils always play crucial roles in the response and recovery phases, as does the state government and its agencies and personnel.

“The federal government has also been quick to release disaster recovery funding and provide military support for evacuations.

“We still face significant challenges in coming days and the patience shown so far by those affected by service disruptions such as public transport shutdowns will no doubt be called upon again.

“Tragically we should not forget that lives have been lost in the past few days and we all need to remember the risks that accompany such severe weather events,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said Queenslanders not affected by floods could support those who were by donating to the Queensland Flood Appeal 2013 by calling 1800 811 700 or visiting www.redcross.org.au

“The Flood Appeal is a fast and direct way others can help those who will need support to rebuild their lives and homes,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said another direct way to help was to lend a hand in cleaning up after the floods.

Anyone keen to do that should make enquiries through Volunteering Queensland www.volunteeringqld.org.au which has established a special emergency volunteering website where people can register their availability.