Councillor Column Councillor Mary Brown

Following the extreme weather events that have impacted the Hinchinbrook Shire and other parts of the State of Queensland over past several months, the focus of Council has moved from response to recovery.

Immediately following the flooding, the Recovery Group and sub groups of Infrastructure, Environment, Human and Social and Environment, commenced engagement with local groups to gain an understanding of what the impacts of the event on the community have been and also plan for what actions need to be implemented, to support the transition of the community to reinstate their lives and lifestyles.

The recovery process has now been underway for almost two months and has already seen some pleasing progress made, however we know this will be a marathon journey and are putting the framework in place to ensure capacity to provide the support required to assist the community transition to their new normal.

The 2025 Community Recovery Plan is progressing very well and it is hoped will be in a position to be formally adopted in the coming weeks.

One of the transition actions has seen the Community Recovery Hub previously located in the TAFE building has now relocated to 73-81 Lannercost Street, Ingham. Any locals seeking assistance with grants, providing follow up information for earlier applications or any general assistance requests, of any kind, can visit the Community Information and Referral Centre, which has now opened.

Currently there are representatives from Community Recovery, Lifeline and Department of Housing present at this property. As opportunity allows, there will be other agencies available for referrals or to schedule appointments with representatives. Private consulting rooms and office space will also be available for confidential and discreet appointments and it is planned to also host workshops and information sessions, at this centre.