Logan City Council Community Reception

Logan City Council Mayor, Councillor Darren Power; CEO Mr Darren Scott and Councillors; Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO, Major General (Ret’d) Jake Ellwood; emergency services personnel; volunteers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

It is my pleasure to be back here in Logan, and to have this opportunity to commend everyone joining us this afternoon, for your outstanding contributions to serving the people of this region, following the destructive Christmas/New Year weather events.

As you are well aware, these particularly intense storms brought significant upheaval to the Logan region, with wild winds and torrential rain causing widespread damage to property, businesses and infrastructure, together with disruption to power and communication services.

Even more tragically, a little nine-year-old Rochedale South girl lost her life in Boxing Day’s flash-flooding.

The difficult and often dangerous work of response and rescue was carried out by our amazing emergency services personnel, who with the police and the army, were there, ready to quickly respond to calls for urgent and immediate assistance.

In the weeks and months since, there has been incredible hardship for many, with damage bills and income-losses generating ongoing financial and emotional stress.

The immense and efficient efforts of the Logan City Council team have ensured that in the aftermath of this disaster, the recovery has been coordinated and streamlined—working with the State Government, and not-for-profit organisations like The Rotary Club of Jimboomba and Orange Sky, so that residents have support when it is most needed.

This is a brilliant example of community and council working together, which I know is what underpins the Logan region’s enormous strength and resilience.

Each of you have played a crucial role—whether it be strategic or practical—to enact a Local Recovery Plan that has swiftly cleared massive amounts of debris, assessed and repaired infrastructure, and created two Community Hubs that attracted more than 2,400 Logan residents seeking help.

I was also impressed to see the large team of Council doorknockers on today’s guest list—recognising the importance of keeping people informed and up-to-date.

This united spirit of support for the people of Logan, is highly admirable, and I commend all who have been involved for your commitment to improving this region—not only when times are difficult, but as ongoing champions for a city that only continues to become more vibrant.

My deepest thanks go to Mayor Power for demonstrating such outstanding leadership, and to the entire Council team here today, together with external agencies and advisors, for all you have done, and continue to do to benefit this community.

Thank you.