Flinders Shire Mayor Jane McNamara said they needed to think about putting in a Doppler weather radar for Central North Queensland as she thanked the Australian Defence Force for their help with carcass disposal and fodder drops.
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Speaking at a media conference in Hughenden Monday, Cr McNamara said they needed to think about betterment in the future.
"It's very important that this area comes into the 21st century, we shouldn't have to be ringing property owners and asking them, 'how much rain have you had?'" Cr McNamara said.
"None that massive rain was being captured and we had no radar as the Longreach radar was down for the whole of that event."
Cr McNamara said the people eight councils of the North West contributed $176,000 each to the economy compared to $66,000 of people elsewhere in Queensland.
"It is vital we proceed with recovery, reconstruction and renewal, this will be a long haul," she said.
Flanked by Joint Task Force leader Brigadier Stephen Jobson and state disaster recovery coordinator Stuart Smith, Cr McNamara said they were grateful for support of the ADF.
"They've done the fodder drop and now coming up with a grand plan on how to safely dispose of the carcasses, and all those who've been a part of it, the helicopter pilots, they've been fabulous."
Queensland state recovery coordinator Stuart Smith said the first priority was looking after the people and looking after the economy was the second priority, with roads and infrastructure the third priority.
"Recovery has already started - we have established recovery hubs in Cloncurry, Richmond and Hughenden and we'll extend it to Julia Creek if required," Mr Smith said.
"They are one stop shops which assist people connecting with disaster loans and grants and other people needs."
Brigadier Jobson said the task force has over 150 ADF staff on the ground across North Queensland
"Joint Task Force 646 has delivered over 43 tonnes of livestock feed and over 42,000 litres of essential aviation fuel in Cloncurry, McKinlay, Richmond and Carpentaria shires," Brigadier Jobson said.
"We continue in overwatch in support of the families of the Gulf if they need any further missions but major disaster response operations are winding down."
Brigadier Jobson said their focus was now on a strategic management plan for carcass disposal.
"The master plan will mobilise resources in North West Queensland to support the health, the safety and the morale of families and start us on the task of returning economic vibrancy to this very important part of Australia," he said.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
