United front to respond to coronavirus

Published: 23 March 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

The city’s Federal, State and Local government leaders will coordinate the local response to the coronavirus pandemic through a new committee structure which will focus on the social and economic impacts of the crisis.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning, Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch, and State Member for Cairns Michael Healy met this morning to establish the Local Leadership Committee (LLC), which will meet at least weekly to ensure there is a united approach to respond to the COVID-19 event.

The newly established structure and its committees will focus on the human social impacts of the crisis, as well as economic response and recovery.

“It is very important that our first priority is that no one gets left behind; that we take care of our community and our people,” Cr Manning said.

“This structure will help us maintain information on what is happening within the community, understand where there is the most need, and who is most vulnerable at any particular time.

“It means that where we see a need, we will be able to respond quickly and informatively.

“These are unprecedented and concerning times, but I remain confident that the collaboration of all levels of government, and through that the measures we are putting in place today, we will be able to support those most vulnerable and help our region ride out this storm.”