Mount Isa pitches in supplies for cyclone relief

Doug Gage from ADG Corporation put the word out to the north west community this week for supplies to be delivered to the Whitsundays region, including Airlie Beach and Proserpine.

Mr Gage said it's the least they could do to help the victims of cyclone Debbie.

“We just thought it was a good idea to get ourselves together and take some action,” Mr Gage said.

Donations were welcomed from Friday to Monday at 17 Old Mica Creek Road, where a truck was waiting to depart.

Locals donated bottled water, canned food, bedding, insect repellent, antibacterial soap, batteries, and pet food.

Mr Gage and ADG co-worker Matt McKeown left for Townsville on Monday night where they stayed before driving to Airlie Beach and Proserpine on Tuesday to deliver the goods.

Originating in Miami, Mr Gage said he has seen his fair share of devastating weather.

“I have experience going through hurricanes in the states, and I know what these people are going to go through.”

“We talked to the emergency manager there last week and we heard they're going to be two or three months without power,” Mr Gage said.

According to Mr Gage, up until last week the locals had been told not to use tap water as well.

“The cyclone is bad enough to go through, but then not having power and food and water for weeks and potentially months on end is very taxing on the soul, not to mention if you’ve just lost everything.”

“They’re going to be in pretty dire need for a long time,” he said.

Woolworths on Miles Street donated a large stack of bottled water and canned food.

”Mount Isa people are known for taking care of one another, and they’ve answered the calling amazingly,” Mr Gage said.

Mr Gage and Mr McKeown were considering staying on in the Whitsundays region on Tuesday to assist with recovery efforts.

News of the collection was spread by word of mouth, with MP Robbie Katter helping to gain support.