CYCLONE LARRY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FUNCTION

_{30 October, 2006}

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Welcome

In thanking you for the introduction could I also just acknowledge how lucky you are in Innisfail to have a local radio station.  A radio station that can keep you in touch in times of calamity, and I know 4KZ did a fabulous job at the time of the cyclone and immediately following.

Ladies and gentlemen I want to recognise my parliamentary colleagues, the Minister Pat Purcell and Minister Rob Schwarten, General Peter Cosgrove, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Cottrell, the Mayor of Johnstone Shire Councillor Neil Clarke and the Mayor of the Shire just down the road, Councillor Joe Galliano from Cardwell, representatives of the relief organisations and government agencies involved in the cyclone Larry effort, and particularly can I recognise all of the volunteers and workers.

As a North Queenslander, I like you understand that cyclones are a natural phenomenon that happens in these areas. I guess that you could almost say that it is the price we pay for living in the best region of the best country in the world.

And while we’ve always known that there will be cyclones around in the summer season, when they do hit we are still never quite ready for them.  We can never guard against the fear we experience as gales and wind gusts reach unbelievable ferocity and intensity.

And no matter how much we prepare, there will still be damage to roofs – there will be trees up rooted, there will be flying debris that will cause havoc.

But cyclones and natural disasters do bring people and communities together.  They do make us realise how we rely on each other.

Many of you have suffered – and I hope Government assistance has helped.  May you soon be back to normal.

For all those hundreds of people who selflessly assisted in so many ways, can I congratulate you and thank you again for everything you have done.

As you know our Prime Minister, John Howard, was in Innisfail very soon after the vent – and he keeps in touch with the recovery effort.  He sends his apologies for his inability to be with you today but has asked me to read to you this message.

The Prime Minister says:

“On 20 March 2006 one of the worst cyclones to affect Queensland in the last century struck Far North Queensland.  Cyclone Larry destroyed homes and uprooted crops.  The sugar cane, papaya, avocado, lychee, mango and macadamia crops were particularly badly affected and almost all of the banana crops in coastal regions were destroyed.

I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly, both in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Larry, and in the months that have followed, to deliver assistance and help affected families, farmers and businesses get back on their feet.  I salute the efforts of all the police and emergency service workers, volunteers, not for profit organisations, state and commonwealth public servants who contributed to the relief effort.

I visited the region in the days following the cyclone and was moved by the resilience of Far North Queenslanders and the community spirit.  The Australian Government is proud to have been able to provide over $230 million directly to affected communities and businesses to support the relief effort and help the people of Far North Queensland rebuild their lives.  This assistance is in addition to a $40 million advance provided to the Queensland Government under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements in 2005-06, with considerably more to be provided under these arrangements through the course of 2006-07.

The Australian community’s response to Cyclone Larry is testament to the great Australian spirit of standing together in times of adversity.  On my most recent visit to the region it was heartening to witness first hand the wide-spread redevelopment efforts.

I wish you an enjoyable function and congratulate all involved for the valuable assistance that you have provided.”

And that is signed John Howard, Prime Minister

Thank you

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