Flood information - links

[ozbob]

Twitter

NOAA Satellites ‏@NOAASatellites 1 hour ago

VIIRS infrared imagery from @NASANPP of Tropical Cyclone #Marcia as it approaches the eastern coast of Australia.

[ozbob]

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 26

>> http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.html

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TROPICAL CYCLONE FORECAST TRACK MAP
Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia
Issued at 6:59 am EST Friday 20 February 2015. Refer to latest Tropical Cyclone Advice.

[ozbob]

Twitter

AnnastaciaPalaszczuk ‏@AnnastaciaMP now

As #TCMarcia moves south it is predicted that it will pass over Rockhampton as a Category 3. #qldpol

[ozbob]

BOM Radar Gladstone http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR232.loop.shtml#skip

[ozbob]

The eye of TC Marcia is now over land ..

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Twitter

Josh Bavas ‏@JoshBavas 19 seconds ago

Latest satellite image showing #TCMarcia crossing. (Friday morning)

[ozbob]

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia at 8:00 am EST:
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml

Intensity: category 5, sustained winds near the centre of 205 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 285 kilometres per hour.
Location: within 9 kilometres of 22.4 degrees South, 150.5 degrees East , 105 kilometres east of St Lawrence and 85 kilometres north northwest of Yeppoon .
Movement: south at 20 kilometres per hour .

Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia, category 5, is currently moving onto the Capricorn coast near Shoalwater Bay, north of Yeppoon. It is expected to continue moving in a southerly direction over land close to the coast during today.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current south of Double Island Point and inland to the southern Burnett and eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Queensland Rail ‏@QueenslandRail 9 minutes ago

To all our Long Distance Travel Network customers, severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Marcia have... http://fb.me/4cUGoNycB

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.html

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia at 11:00 am EST:

Intensity: Category 4, sustained winds near the centre of 175 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 250 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 9 kilometres of 22.9 degrees South 150.5 degrees East, estimated to be 40 kilometres northwest of Yeppoon and 135 kilometres northwest of Gladstone.

Movement: south at 20 kilometres per hour.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia has weakened slightly to a category 4 system, and is continuing to move south towards Yeppoon and Rockhampton. It is expected to continue a southerly movement through today while slowly weakening.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current south of Double Island Point and inland to the southern Burnett and eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

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http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml

TROPICAL CYCLONE FORECAST TRACK MAP
Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia
Issued at 11:06 am EST Friday 20 February 2015. Refer to latest Tropical Cyclone Advice.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/2/20/community-recovery-hotline-open-and-new-app-launched

Media Statements
Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman
Friday, February 20, 2015

Community Recovery Hotline open and new app launched

In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Marcia crossing the Queensland coast, the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 has been activated.

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman today said, while financial assistance has yet to be activated, the Hotline still provided useful information about other available assistance.

"If people are in a life-threatening situation, they should call 000 or if they need emergency storm and flood assistance, they should call the SES on 132 500," Ms Fentiman said.

"If people need any other support, the Community Recovery Hotline should be their next port of call as it has plenty of advice on how to manage during and after severe weather situations.

"Our first priority is caring for vulnerable people who are in the path of TC Marcia and our officers are contacting families who are known to the department and our community partners are also contacting their clients to ensure they have the support they need.

"Our Community Recovery staff are poised to visit the worst affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so.

"In addition, there is now a self-recovery mobile app available and means all our community recovery information is just one click away.

"The app is called Self Recovery has vital tips for preparing for disasters, including how to look after yourself, your family and neighbours, and what to do after a disaster has hit your area.

"For example, if you are in a disaster-affected area, you can register your interest in receiving assistance from the Queensland Government via a mobile-friendly form.

"All the information is clearly set out on your mobile and any requests will be responded to as quickly as possible."

Ms Fentiman said the Queensland Government was committed to providing the help that Queensland residents need in recovering from storms, cyclones and floods.

"We are determined to ensure the right assistance goes to the right people at the right time."

To access the app, people should go to the Apple or the Android stores where they can download it.

For more information about the app, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/recovery-after-disaster/

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.html

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia at 1:00 pm EST:

Intensity: Category 3, sustained winds near the centre of 150 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 205 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 9 kilometres of 23.2 degrees South 150.5 degrees East, estimated to be 25 kilometres west southwest of Yeppoon and 105 kilometres northwest of Gladstone.

Movement: south at 19 kilometres per hour.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia, category 3, continues to move south over the northern Capricornia district and is expected to impact Rockhampton during the next couple of hours. It is expected to continue a southerly movement through today while slowly weakening.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current south of Double Island Point and inland to the southern Burnett and eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes -->Cyclone Marcia bears down on Queensland (photographs)

[ozbob]

Twitter

Matt ‏@imattyj

Morayfield near the train overpass. #TCMarcia

[red dragin]

Unlikely to be any bridge strikes there today 

[SurfRail]

^ Not from wheeled vehicles anyway.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.html

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia at 4:00 pm EST:

Intensity: Category 3, sustained winds near the centre of 120 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 165 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 20 kilometres of 23.8 degrees South 150.7 degrees East, estimated to be 50 kilometres south southeast of Rockhampton and 60 kilometres west of Gladstone.

Movement: south at 20 kilometres per hour.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia, category 3, continues to move south over the northern Capricornia district while slowly weakening. The cyclone is expected to turn to the south-southeast this evening, and weaken below cyclone strength on Saturday morning.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current south of Double Island Point and inland to the southern Burnett and eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

[ozbob]

Twitter

ABC Sunshine Coast ‏@abcsunshine 36 seconds ago

Very wet at #Palmwoods. And more to come into tonight and tomorrow care of #TCMarcia. Photo by Kari Groves. #bigwet

[SurfRail]

BOM Radar Gladstone http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR232.loop.shtml#skip

They might want to update their base map, the Monto line is long gone...

[ozbob]

The BOM tends to leave the closed rail lines on as a reference point of sorts I have noted ..

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.html

Details of Tropical Cyclone Marcia at 5:00 pm EST:

Intensity: Category 2, sustained winds near the centre of 110 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 155 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 20 kilometres of 23.8 degrees South 150.7 degrees East, estimated to be 60 kilometres west of Gladstone and 65 kilometres north northeast of Biloela.

Movement: south southeast at 18 kilometres per hour.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia has weakened to a category 2 system,and continues to move south over the Capricornia district while weakening. The cyclone is expected to turn to the south-southeast this evening, and weaken below cyclone strength on Saturday morning.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current south of Double Island Point and inland to the southern Burnett and eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20032.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL, ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES and DANGEROUS SURF

For people in the
Southeast Coast and parts of the
Wide Bay and Burnett and
Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:51 pm Friday, 20 February 2015.

Synoptic Situation:

Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia, category 3 2, continues to move south over the northern Capricornia district while slowly weakening. The cyclone is expected to turn to the south-southeast this evening, and weaken below cyclone strength on Saturday morning. A trough extends southwards from the tropical cyclone to Queensland's southeast coast.

The trough is currently producing heavy rain about mainly coastal parts of the Southeast Coast district. The approach of Marcia should produce heavy rain and locally damaging winds gusts about the Wide Bay and Burnett Districts south of the Cyclone warning area overnight tonight. Currently, heaviest rain is located on radar near coastal parts from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast. This heavy rain may lead to flash flooding, with possibly up to 150mm of rainfall for the remainder of today.

Although conditions may ease for a period overnight in the South East district, conditions are expected to deteriorate again during Saturday as weakening Marcia moves across the district. These rain and wind conditions may extend inland to the eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt district during Saturday but is very dependent on the movement of Marcia. The main rainfall areas at this stage is expected to be near coastal again with some possible 24 hour rainfall totals during Saturday in excess of 300mm. Damaging wind gusts may reach around 90 km/hr, mostly near the coast and ranges.

Water levels on the high tide are likely to be near or exceed the highest tide of the year tomorrow. Dangerous surf conditions and beach erosion are also expected on exposed beaches.

Riverine flooding:

Moderate flood warning for the Stanley and Mary rivers, minor flood warning for the Maroochy and Mooloolah rivers and Coochin creek.
A flood watch is current for the Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and the Darling Downs & Granite Belt District forecast districts.

Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley, Ipswich, Brisbane, Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast, Kingaroy and Gympie.

Many locations near the coast from Brisbane up to the Sunshine Coast have had over 100mm of rainfall since 9am this morning with several locations having had over 150mm since 9am. Beachmere and Caboolture have both had around 200mm since 9am.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.html

Details of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Marcia at 1:00 am EST:

Intensity: Tropical Low, sustained winds near the centre of 55 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 35 kilometres of 25.1 degrees South 151.2 degrees East, estimated to be 135 kilometres south of Gladstone and 115 kilometres west of Bundaberg.

Movement: south southeast at 18 kilometres per hour.

Ex-tropical cyclone Marcia has continued to weaken over land overnight, and no longer maintains a tropical cyclone structure. The system is moving south-southeast over the northern Wide Bay district.

Ex-Marcia remains capable of producing heavy rainfall, and also the possibility of a few locally damaging wind gusts, particularly over higher terrain. Hence a Severe Weather Warning has been issued to replace the Tropical Cyclone warning, combining with the pre-existing Severe Weather Warning for the Wide Bay and Burnett district south of Bundaberg, and the Southeast Coast district.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Lumbering Cyclone Marcia dumps drenching rain as it weakens and heads south

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> How Cyclone Marcia formed into a superstorm

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cyclone Marcia leaves multimillion-dollar damage bill in central Queensland

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DESTRUCTIVE WIND and HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in the Moreton Island, Brisbane and parts of the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Moreton Bay Council Areas.

Issued at 8:16 am Saturday, 21 February 2015.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 8:20 am, a severe thunderstorm was detected on weather radar near Caloundra and waters off Caloundra. This thunderstorm is moving towards the south. It is forecast to affect Caboolture, Beerburrum and northern Bribie Island by 8:50 am and Strathpine, Redcliffe and Comboyuro Point by 9:20 am.

Destructive winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are likely.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DESTRUCTIVE WIND and HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in the Moreton Island, Brisbane, Brisbane and parts of the Logan, Redland, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay Council Areas.

Issued at 9:20 am Saturday, 21 February 2015.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 9:20 am, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Caboolture, the area southwest of Caloundra, waters off Caloundra and northern Bribie Island. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south. They are forecast to affect Strathpine, Redcliffe, Deception Bay waters and Comboyuro Point by 9:50 am and Brisbane CBD, Tangalooma, northern Moreton Island and Cape Moreton by 10:20 am.

Destructive winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are likely.

A waterspout was observed near Mooloolabah which moved over land and has caused some building damage.

[red dragin]

Fairly constant rain here at Griffin. Closest gauge measured 23 mm last hour.

[ozbob]

TC Marcia remnants drops some rain on the SEQ ...

BOM Radar 11am 21st February 2015  http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR662.loop.shtml#skip

[HappyTrainGuy]

Starting to regret doing the new garden the other day. Seems most of it has tried to do a runner to the front yard.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Southeast 'dodged a bullet' with weekend's big wet

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cyclone Marcia: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk backs Bureau of Meteorology after Marcia surprise

[ozbob]

Media Release
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

PALASZCZUK GOVERNMENT ACTIVATES NATURAL DISASTER RECOVERY AND RELIEF ARRANGEMENTS FOR CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Financial assistance is available for people needing urgent help after Tropical Cyclone Marcia following the activation of Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Government had moved quickly to ensure financial help was made available to those who needed it most and immediate advice could be accessed by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349

"The Commonwealth Government has approved financial assistance for personal hardship, reconnection of essential services and for the restoration of essential public assets and infrastructure," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"As I've been out and about in communities affected by Cyclone Marcia, I've seen first-hand the devastation that's been caused and its absolutely heartbreaking impact on locals.

"A lot of people are facing an uphill battle to get up and running again.

"This NDRRA activation means people who are doing it tough in Central Queensland can access the help they need as they move into a recovery phase.

"It's important that we transition very quickly into the recovery phase where it is safe to do so.

"That's why I spoke with the Prime Minister earlier this week and I'm glad we can now make this assistance available."

Ms Palaszczuk said help was available under the NDRRA for individuals and families who live in the Banana Shire, Livingstone Shire and Rockhampton Regional Council areas.

"Queenslanders always band together, but we know that not everyone will have family and friends nearby to help them during these tough times," she said.

"For those that don't, immediate personal hardship assistance of up to $180 for individuals and $900 for families of five or more will be made available to those who have been stranded or are otherwise unable to return to their homes.

"We want to make sure those who need assistance to access basic supplies such as food, clothing and medication get it straight away."
Ms Palaszczuk said there was also a number of grants available for people who were uninsured or unable to claim contents insurance.

"Income tested grants for families are available for the replacement of essential household contents such as furniture, as well as grants for urgent repairs to ensure their homes are secure and habitable."

Ms Palaszczuk said income tested payments were also available for safety inspections and repair work.

"Again, for those uninsured or unable to make insurance claims for safety repairs, payments of up to $200 are available to put towards an inspection of essential services such as electricity, gas and water before they are reconnected," she said.

"Up to $4,200 is also available to put towards any repair work that may need to be done before reconnection."

Ms Palaszczuk said it was a long road ahead for many Queenslanders, but the government would be with them every step of the way.

"So many Queenslanders have been through a traumatic experience over the last few days and I want to assure people from right across the affected area that the government stands ready to assist you as you get back on your feet," she said.

For assistance or more information on the eligibility requirements for payments under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, people can call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

[ozbob]

Gympie Times --> Rising Mary River gets emergency services moving



The Sunshine Coast RACQ CareFlight Rescue crew has taken these photographs while on a mission to airlift a patient from Gympie Hospital this morning. Courtesy RACQ CareFlight Rescue

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> 100 families without homes our priority - Palaszczuk

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Tsunamis, Cyclone & Storm Fact Sheets --> http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/tsunamis-cyclone-storm-fact-sheets-4428.html

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/2/23/appointment-of-disaster-recovery-coordinator

Media Statements
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
Monday, February 23, 2015

Appointment of Disaster Recovery Co-ordinator

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the appointment of a long-serving senior officer of the Queensland Police Service to lead recovery efforts in the wake of Cyclone Marcia.

Ms Palaszczuk said Chief Superintendent Brian Codd would take up the position within weeks. In the interim the post would be filled by Acting Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, Katarina Carroll.

"Brian Codd, currently relieving as Acting Assistant Commissioner, joined the QPS in 1984 and knows central Queensland well, having served in the QPS Central region based at Rockhampton," she said.

"He was also involved in disaster recovery efforts based at Townsville after the 2009 floods.

"During the 2010/2011 flood disaster following Cyclone Yasi, he was appointed as assistant chair to the State Disaster Coordination Group based at the State Disaster Coordination Centre at Kedron in Brisbane.

"That involved coordinating responses to the Murphy's Creek and Grantham flood emergencies."

Ms Palaszczuk said the Disaster Recovery Coordinator's role included:

• coordinating the recovery process for affected areas
• representing the Premier and the Deputy Premier during discussions with local councils
• coordinating the recovery and reconstruction efforts of government and non-government agencies, and
• reporting to the Premier and Deputy Premier about recovery operations.

Ms Palaszczuk said damage assessments were continuing in cyclone-affected areas and almost 3,800 rapid damage assessments had been conducted with 385 properties so far deemed uninhabitable.

"A top priority continues to be the resupply of power to cyclone-hit communities," she said.

"About 69,000 customers lost power in the cyclone and so far around 23,000 of those have been reconnected.

"Every effort is being made by Ergon Energy to get power back on as soon as possible. But this must been done with the safety of residents and power workers in mind.

"Statewide, the SES has received more than 6,400 requests for assistance with more than half of those jobs now completed.

"Around 2,000 caller shave used the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 and 35 hardship payments have been made with that figure expected to grow significantly."

Ms Palaszczuk said parents should check the Education department website www.education.qld.gov.au for the latest information on school closures.

She said recovery hubs had opened at the Walter Reid Centre, Rockhampton and at the Yeppoon Town Hall.

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=944146185603742

Queensland Rail

Our crews have been assessing more than 230km of track on the North Coast line following Cyclone Marcia, with the view to reopen the network between Mackay and Rockhampton tomorrow (Tues 24 Feb).

This section suffered a number of impacts including local power outages, significant amount of debris on the tracks and a small washout north of Rockhampton.

A number of our long distance services have been affected, including our steam train. Here is a new timetable so you can get along to see Bety: http://goo.gl/xxPJni

For more, visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 872 467.

[ozbob]

Media Release
Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

Community Recovery hubs opening in Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Biloela

Help is at hand for people impacted by Tropical Cyclone Marcia in Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Biloela, Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said today.

Ms Fentiman said hubs in Rockhampton, Biloela and Yeppoon were up and running.

"People requiring assistance should still call the Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 first to find out the latest information and, if necessary, make an appointment to see Community Recovery staff and other support staff at the hubs," she said.

"The hubs at Rockhampton and Yeppoon already have Centrelink, Red Cross, Uniting Care, Insurance Council of Australia, Public Works and Housing and Community Mental Health on hand ready to support residents.

"The Biloela hub will have similar services available soon and more staff are expected tomorrow.

"Priority will be given to those who are worst affected, especially those residents who can't live in their homes.

"Community recovery staff are speaking with affected communities, councils and agencies in North Burnett, Gladstone and other affected areas to assess impacts on people and support local responses.

"Community Recovery teams are also out and about in the worst-hit areas and these teams will be visiting people in their homes and offering all available assistance.

"Getting these communities back on their feet after Cyclone Marcia is a big job and we are with Queenslanders every step of the way.

"Establishing Community Recovery Hubs are an important part of the process."

Ms Fentiman said financial assistance was available through the Immediate Hardship Assistance grant for eligible families to purchase food and other essentials immediately.

Immediate Hardship Assistance will be available to people who:

    Live or are stranded in the targeted activation zone
    Are unable to meet immediate essential needs
    Are unable to seek support from family or friends and

Demonstrate direct impact such as loss or damage to home, loss of essential personal items and/or isolation from home for more than 48 hours.

Subject to these criteria, applicants may receive $180 per person up to $900 for a family of five or more.

There is also assistance available to replace damaged household goods and for homes which have suffered structural damage.

People who need assistance due to Tropical Cyclone Marcia should contact the Community Recovery Hotline of 1800 173 349, download the Self Recovery app, or go to http://www.qld.gov.au/community for further information.

The hubs operate from 8.30am-5pm each day. Locations  are:

    Rockhampton -  Walter Reid Centre, Cnr Derby & East Street, Rockhampton
    Yeppoon -  Yeppoon Town Hall, 25 Normanby St, Yeppoon
    Biloela - Biloela Research Station, 98/102 State Farm Road, Biloela

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Minister looks into concerns on dams plan

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/2/25/statement-from-the-minister-regarding-callide-dam?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Media Statements
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Jo-Ann Miller

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Statement from the Minister regarding Callide Dam.

The Inspector-General Emergency Management is responsible for reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of disaster management across the state and for providing me an assurance regarding the safety of all Queenslanders.

I have asked the Inspector-General to review recent events relating to the Callide Dam following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

I have asked for the Terms of Reference to be provided to me by the end of this week to allow work on this independent review to start as soon as possible.

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Important issue.  Refreshing to see a statement that doesn't blame the previous Government as would have been the case with the Newman mob.