Weeks of intensive rainfall and flooding may have dampened the Hinchinbrook region, but not the spirit of locals.
As the floodwaters recede, Hinchinbrook Shire Council is focused on the clean up and getting the community back on its feet.
Mayor Ramon Jayo thanked everyone for their resilience over the past few weeks.
“We know it’s been tough for everyone – residents, businesses and community groups have all been hit in different ways – but we’re tougher than what the weather has thrown at us,” he said.
“The one thing I know is we’ll get through it together.”
Many Council staff were also personally impacted by the floods, but that hasn’t stopped the organisation’s ability to respond across the region.
Thanks to support from the Local Government Association of Queensland, a contingent of disaster management staff from councils across the state have been lending a hand in the Local Disaster Coordination Centre, both on-site and remotely.
This is an addition to crews from emergency services agencies and other government departments being deployed in North Queensland.
The assistance has been welcomed with open arms.
“The expertise, experience and above all else, a genuine willingness to help, has been greatly appreciated by all of us,” Mayor Jayo said.
“In the Coordination Centre, we’re all Team Hinchinbrook, no matter the logos on our shirts.
“We’re now looking ahead to support the community through recovery – which will take some time – but we’ll take it a day at a time.”
Now the immediate threat to life and property has passed, Council is developing a Recovery Plan that deals with the economic, environmental, human-social and infrastructure impacts of the floods.
“Some of our most-loved facilities have been damaged, such as the JL Kelly Theatre and Hinchinbrook Shire Library, while we know our local businesses and industries will need help to get back on their feet too.
“Importantly this will be a joint response with relevant government departments who can offer practical solutions going forward.”
A new webpage collating all flood recovery information has been published on Council’s website, January 2025 Flood Event Important Information page.
Residents and other community members are encouraged to check it regularly for updates and important information.