Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The recovery process continues in Central Queensland after Cyclone Marcia, but it is a long and difficult road back to where we were before, and people are feeling tired and frustrated. I can assure the people of Capricornia that I have not been idle. I have been out in the field with senior ministers and pushing for further help in our communities. This week I am pushing for this crisis to be elevated to a category C or D crisis under the NDRRA system. Advice suggests that a category C rating will offer local people, small business, primary producers and local councils the maximum assistance available to recover. I am hammering on doors in Canberra to push for this and other help. This includes help for small business, workers, farmers and councils.

I acknowledge there has been a vicious smear campaign of misinformation during this crisis. I am not going to engage in that. This is no time to be throwing stones or to be irrational; it is a time to work as a team. I am working with Queensland's agriculture minister, state member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne, to get on with helping people. I thank him for his cooperation. My priority is to get things done for Capricornia.

I would like to acknowledge, once again, the wonderful work done by the councils, Ergon, the SES, the Army, and police and ambulance services, as well as the many volunteer organisations who have assisted so many people. Thank you.