Twelve experienced staff from Cairns Regional Council’s Disaster Coordination Centre have answered the call for help from Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
 
Council officers left Cairns for a five day deployment to relieve staff at the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Disaster Coordination Centre.
 
Mayor Val Schier said all staff involved in the deployment had worked at the Cairns Disaster Coordination Centre following the activation of the centre during Cyclone Yasi last week.
 
“Many of these officers worked day and night throughout Cyclone Yasi and they have now put up their hand to help our southern neighbours,” Cr Schier said.
 
“The staff will work at the Cassowary Coast Disaster Coordination Centre based in Innisfail as well as at three satellite sites in the hardest hit areas of Cardwell, Tully Heads and Mission Beach.
 
“The request came through on Sunday afternoon, and we had 12 staff ready to leave for Innisfail this morning (Monday).  This is an example of how the regions support one another during times of need.
 
“Two staff members that are part of this most recent contingent only recently returned from the Lockyer Valley where they provided assistance to the affected townships of Murphy's Creek, Helidon, Grantham and Laidely.”