Chaired by Cr Jan Clifford the Environmental Recovery Group has been busy consulting with a number of agencies including Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP).

“MSQ are contacting boat owners to have vessels returned to their moorings and removed from the coastline where necessary.

“They have a list of over 80 vessels that have been damaged to follow up, with almost half expected to be submerged vessels.

“There are several contractors in the area that will recover vessels and Insurance representatives are looking at boats on the foreshore and Cannonvale beach.

“Damaged vessels can be removed from mangrove areas provided as little damage to native plants and vegetation occurs,” she said.

“Agriculture and Forestry crews are out undertaking rapid assessments of properties to judge implications on cane and livestock farming.

“Limitations on clearing local waterways have been lifted so works to remove debris can continue.

“Given the devastation to vegetation, the community now need to be aware of the increased potential for bushfires,” Cr Clifford warned.

Other priorities are focussed on assessment of stream bank damage, repairs to eroded waterways, sand scraping and beach nourishment and waterway debris removal.