Housing an essential part of the long road to recovery
Senator the Hon Mark Arbib
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development
Minister for Sport
Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness
20 January 2011
Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib today visited Ipswich and Goodna to view first-hand the devastation caused by the Queensland floods and meet with community organisations who are working tirelessly and passionately to rebuild and support their local communities.
Senator Arbib met with Queensland Minister for Housing Karen Struthers and received briefings from local authorities. They discussed the progress of the recovery effort, how families and individuals are finding housing and how people are receiving the support they need to get back on their feet.
“Today I observed first-hand the strength of Queenslanders. In a time of tragedy they have come together to support and assist each other,” Senator Arbib said.
“The tireless efforts of community organisations and individuals are an inspiration to all Australians.
“As I have seen today, the flooding has caused massive disruptions to people's lives across Queensland and all of us must respond to their plight.
"There is a need for patience as the rebuilding effort will take time and is expected to affect both the supply of labour and materials for a significant period.”
Senator Arbib said the Australian Government continued to work with the Queensland Government to ensure Queenslanders who have been displaced have access to housing.
“The social housing built in flood-prone areas under the Economic Stimulus Plan meets the Q-100 flood line standards. This requires residential developments be built to withstand a one-in-100 year flood,” Senator Arbib said.
"The priority at the moment is ensuring people have a roof over their head and can move into stable housing as soon as possible to help them rebuild their lives, which were so tragically disrupted."
Media contact: Sean Sammon 0417 137 419