Eight Northern Territory Government staff will today (Monday) head to Queensland to assist with the recovery effort following Tropical Cyclone Debbie and the severe flooding.

The Queensland Government asked for support in accordance with the Guidelines for Interstate Assistance (Community Recovery) which was endorsed by all states and territories in 2015. 

The staff, who have all been trained or have experience in supporting affected communities recover from an emergency/disaster, will work as frontline support at disaster recovery hubs in Bowen for the next fortnight. 

``The Northern Territory will play an important role in helping the Queensland recovery after the devastation of Cyclone Debbie,’’ Jodie Ryan, CEO Department of the Chief Minister said. 

``The Northern Territory knows only too well the effects of cyclones and floods and we will always help our neighbours, just as I know they would help us. ``This deployment is the first of a number of deployments and NTG staff will be rotated every two weeks while they’re needed.’’ 

While these staff will continue to be paid by the NT government, all travel, accommodation and allowances arising from these deployments will be covered by the Queensland Government. 

The staff are from a range of agencies across the NT Public Service. The team will leave Darwin Airport on QF 825 at 1.30pm today, 10 April 2017.

Media contact: Tom Davis 0417 145 050