QLD:PM promises support for Qld flood victims

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2011
QLD:PM promises support for Qld flood victims

By Steve Gray

DALBY, Qld, April 5 AAP - Flood-affected Queenslanders have been asked to be patient
by the man overseeing the disaster recovery, as Prime Minister Julia Gillard meets flood
victims on the Darling Downs.

Ms Gillard spoke with flood victims in Dalby, Kogan and Toowoomba on Tuesday as she
toured the region promoting the government's plans for a carbon tax.

"For many people in Queensland, this is going to be a long journey back," Ms Gillard said.

"People who are grieving are going to feel that for the rest of their lives.

"People whose houses were flooded, whose farms were flooded are still rebuilding.

"It's a long journey back and we understand we've got to be supporting people through
that journey."

In Toowoomba, Ms Gillard met flood victims including Blake Rice, the boy who was saved
when his brother Jordan insisted a rescuer take Blake first.

Jordan, 13, died along with his mother Donna Rice, 43, when their car was swept away
on January 10 during flash flooding in the city.

Ms Gillard signed the boy's sling and spent considerable time talking to Blake's father,
John Tyson, and others.

Senator Joe Ludwig, tasked with overseeing the flood and cyclone recovery efforts for
the federal government, asked for patience.

"It won't be done overnight," he said.

"I ask for patience in this.

"We do need to get it right," Senator Ludwig said.

AAP stg/crh/ajw

KEYWORD: RECOVERY GILLARD (PIX AVAILABLE)

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