Major General Andrew Hocking of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency (NBRA) and Queensland Recovery coordinator Ian Stewart joined Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz in the region last Friday to discuss the bushfire recovery in the Scenic Rim.
Mr Buchholz said he wanted to take the opportunity to provide Major General Hocking with a better awareness of the issues facing the local community, primary producers and small businesses.
“This visit provided a great opportunity for locals to have direct input, going straight to the top of the recovery agency, on the issues affecting them and their livelihoods.
“We heard from primary producers, rural firies, small business owners and community leaders.
“I know both the Major General and Queensland recovery coordinator went away on Friday afternoon with a better insight into the issues facing the community during and after the fire event.
“This information will better inform future responses to disaster, help governments at all levels improve resilience and deliver community betterment,” Mr Buchholz said.
Mr Buchholz said the needs of the community, primary producers, small businesses and residents were important and the feedback was very valuable to ongoing improvement.
“We heard from one business that they were left in the dark on the Cunningham Highway closure, many felt like there was a lack of urgency from TMR.
“It’s these matters that may seem small to many but are significant to the planning and operations of Aratula businesses,” Mr Buchholz said.
