An environmental planning expert, Dr. Aysin Dedekorkut-Howes, has expressed serious concerns regarding the recent overhaul of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) board, which is responsible for managing reconstruction efforts following natural disasters in Queensland. This shift occurred during the first year of the state government, which has seen a significant number of former political figures appointed to the board.
Dr. Dedekorkut-Howes, who served on the board for just one year, was informed by Ann Leahy, the Minister for Disaster Recovery, that her position was no longer required. This announcement came as a surprise, particularly as it was conveyed that the decision was not performance-related. “The minister told me it had nothing to do with our performance, she thanked me for my services, and she said the government had decided to take a different approach,” she stated.
Jane McNamara, a former mayor of North Queensland and member of the Liberal National Party’s policy committee, has been appointed as the new chair of the board following its complete restructuring in September. Alongside Dr. Dedekorkut-Howes, renowned disaster risk reduction expert Dr. Robert Glasser was also removed from the board. The overhaul also saw the departure of former board chair Katarina Carroll, retired Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive Greg Hallam, and ex-Burdekin mayor Lynette McLaughlin.
Dr. Dedekorkut-Howes emphasized her worries about the board’s new composition, which now includes 20 former LNP politicians, candidates, and party executives. She fears that the lack of relevant expertise among the new members may hinder the authority’s ability to effectively manage disaster recovery efforts.
The revamped board includes newly appointed members such as retired brigadier Chris Anstey, Central Highlands councillor Gail Godwin-Smith, and former Burdekin councillor Dr. Kaylee Boccalatte. The government has not publicly addressed the specific reasons for these changes or how they align with the QRA’s objectives.
The restructuring of the QRA has raised questions among stakeholders and experts in disaster recovery. Concerns about the implications of this overhaul on the authority’s effectiveness in responding to future crises are growing, especially given Queensland’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
As the new board takes shape under McNamara’s leadership, the focus will be on how these changes will impact the management of disaster recovery operations in Queensland. The community awaits clarity on whether the new appointments will enhance or detract from the board’s mission to support and rebuild affected areas.
