Queensland State safety authorities are continuing to assess the damage done by Tropical Cyclone Debbie. Surveys are being conducted at several ports along the coast to ensure the waterways are clear for shipping. A spokesperson for Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads advised that Maritime Safety Queensland would reopen the ports once the Regional Harbour Master has assessed the survey for any obstructions and hazards to navigation.

The port corporation has surveyed the Port of Mackay, Port of Abbot Point, Port of Hay Point and will continue onto the Sunshine and Gold Coast waterways once conditions permit. The Maritime Safety Queensland’s support vessel Hildebrand arrived at Airlie Beach late last week and had already begun assessment and response efforts.

Meanwhile, key government agencies, peak business and industry groups have come together to discuss the economic recovery following the cyclone. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the economic recovery group of state and local governmen aim is to get the economy back to full production. “We want Mayors and industry representatives to identify issues in specific locations needing immediate action, starting with re-establishing essential services like water, power and communications as well as transport routes,” she said.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said on the ground, Department of State Development staff would be at community recovery centres and in communities hit hardest this weekend where possible, talking to local businesses and gathering information on impact and what’s needed. “Action will be at two levels – prioritising what’s required locally, but also using the data to ensure the joint Commonwealth-State disaster arrangements maximise assistance for business and industry,” he said.