QLD Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing has met with key Daintree identities, but the message from local residents remains the same – we need ongoing action and a proper plan to maintain our livelihoods.

Mr Wassing listened to Jeremy Blockey and Lawrence Mason outlay their ongoing concerns and issues about what Daintree residents need at this very moment and the problems locals continue to encounter and need addressing in the wake of December’s cyclone and flood events.

Mr Mason noted the ongoing of cancellation of pop-up medical clinics, inconsistent mail delivery, having to make numerous fuel requests, having to fight to get deliveries into local shops and having to lobby to get grant workshops as continued sources of frustration.

Mr Mason also mentioned the critical importance of a future subsidized boat service, so residents are able leave if major landslides block off roads throughout the Daintree on the back of cyclones or heavy rain events. A subsidized boat service would also be used to deliver critical supplies, like food, water and medical supplies into the Daintree.

Mr Blockey was just as clear about what assistance Daintree residents require.

“We are still on emergency/relief stage and need extra resources until we’re well into the recovery phase,” Mr Blockey reaffirmed.

“A contractor needs to be engaged who has all the requisite competencies on site, seven days a week – who will be based at Cape Tribulation. A project manager is needed as soon as possible – we need work being done here 10 hours a day, every day, until the job is done.

“We also need to get the QRA liaison manager on the ground ASAP, to properly coordinate deliveries and others matters. Council blames the State, and vice versa, we don’t care about their political games – we need action.”