Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley AC paid a two-day visit last week to the Western Downs to inspect first-hand the widespread flood damage and recovery efforts in local communities. She was accompanied by her husband Stuart McCosker, Inspector Ian Thompson AD, Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown and councillors.
Together, the group toured Dalby, Chinchilla, Tara and Warra on Friday and Condamine and Miles on Saturday allowing the Governor to receive an overview of the recent flood events, an update on the recovery operations and to speak with residents, community organisations and businesses affected by the flooding.
During the regional visit the Governor also took the opportunity to meet with SES personnel and volunteers to thank them for their efforts during the floods and in the clean up and recovery operations.
Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown said. “The Governor was amazed at the level of destruction caused by the floods, the level of support from within the community and by the way in which the recovery operations are being conducted in each of the townships.”
Cr Brown said the Governor was particularly heartened by the support of the community when she visited the distribution centre in Dalby by the amount of clothing, food and furniture that had been donated to help flood-affected residents.
“The Governor was very appreciative of people allowing her into their homes to see some of the damage that had occurred. She was warmly welcomed by all our communities and I thank the Governor for taking the time to visit our region.”
