The Queensland Government has appointed Andrew Cripps as the State Recovery Coordinator to spearhead flood recovery efforts in North Queensland 

The role will see Mr Cripps responsible for identifying the specific recovery needs of impacted communities, providing strategic advice to government agencies, regular updates about recovery operations, and leading the development of a State Recovery Plan. 

Mr Cripps (pictured right) will work closely with Queensland Reconstruction Authority chief executive officer Major General Jake Ellwood.

Born and raised in Tully, Mr Cripps is a former Hinchinbrook Shire councillor and former State MP, who served a stint as Natural Resources and Mines Minister.

Mr Cripps said he was determined to deliver real outcomes for impacted communities.  

“This serious flood event has had a significant impact on communities and industries across North Queensland and the recovery process will no doubt be lengthy and difficult,” Mr Cripps said. 

“As a proud North Queenslander, I had no hesitation in accepting the Premier’s request to serve in this role and build on the strong response that local, district and state disaster management groups have undertaken to date.   

“I look forward to working with Major General Ellwood and the QRA, the Premier and his ministers and local communities across the impacted regions to deliver an effective recovery effort in a timely fashion.”

Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy said Mr Cripps will take charge of the operation and work hand-in-glove with impacted communities.  

“Recovery will be complex. It’s going to take time. But Andrew’s understanding of the north and the communities means he is perfectly placed to deliver what’s needed on the ground,” Minister Leahy said. 

“His extensive experience supporting councils and serving Queenslanders will be invaluable as we continue to face the challenge of this disaster head on. 

“The government stands by all Queenslanders suffering the devastating impacts of this flood event, and together we’ll keep working every day to see this recovery through.”