Scenic Rim Regional Council Community Reception

Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Greg Christensen and Councillors; CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, 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.

I am pleased to be visiting the Tamborine Mountain community this afternoon and thank the Scenic Rim Regional Council for this opportunity to be with you all. Your outstanding service to others, in the wake of a particularly brutal storm season, is worthy of our utmost gratitude, and I am so pleased I can be here to express this in person, on behalf of the people of Queensland.

Just a few short months ago, this beautiful, normally tranquil region was battered by two significant weather events—a tornado-like storm on Christmas Day and intense rainfall on New Year’s Day—which caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, infrastructure and to the surrounding bushland, and resulted in immense hardship and heartbreak.

The Christmas Day tornado ripped apart buildings, toppled concrete power poles and thousands of trees, blocked roads, and left many without electricity and water for extended periods…and yet while the first-response clean-up for this event was continuing, another disaster struck with flash-flooding causing additional challenges.

Despite the danger and difficult conditions, the response was swift.

Our amazing emergency services personnel, bolstered by the support of the Queensland Police Service and the Australia Defence Force, leapt into action—working hard with Energex and other organisations to clear debris, safeguard homes, and restore essential services.

The dedicated local Council, aptly led by Mayor Greg Christensen, with the expertise of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, coordinated a fast and effective response plan to assist those in need.

Simultaneously an army of volunteers also mobilised—including the “Chainsaw Champions” who cleared fallen trees for those who couldn’t do the work themselves—with people coming from far and wide— willing to help in any way possible, even if it meant giving up their own festive season plans.

Now, while the immediate impacts of these storms may have diminished, there are many residents who face ongoing difficulties—and even as the recovery efforts continue, the psychological effects remain.

I am therefore so proud of all who responded to these events—those who have added their unique experience, abilities and muscle power to the clean-up and rebuilding processes, and also to those who have given their emotional support.

The small Tamborine Mountain community is known for being close—assisting each other in times of trouble—but extraordinary circumstances such as these, require a broader effort, and I am so proud to see people come together to assist each other in such a heartfelt way.

On behalf of this community, and the wider Scenic Rim Council area, I commend you all for your contributions, and with immense admiration say thank you for ensuring this special part of Queensland can rebuild, heal and thrive.

Thank you.