QLD:GG sends best wishes to flooded Qld towns

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2010
QLD:GG sends best wishes to flooded Qld towns

By Lisa Martin

BRISBANE, Dec 31 AAP - Australia's Governor General Quentin Bryce has sent her best
wishes to residents in flood-ravaged Queensland cities and towns.

Rockhampton Mayor Brad Carter said he had received a phone call from Her Excellency
on New Year's Eve.

"It was quite a lengthy conversation about our situation," he said.

"She has roots and family in western Queensland and has a soft spot for Rockhampton.

"Our community and our council certainly respect that call from her."

Mr Carter said Ms Bryce told him she loved the city's art gallery and potentially would
visit in March to open an art exhibition.

"She also said she has fond memories of the botanic gardens," he said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Queensland premier Anna Bligh toured Rockhampton on Friday.

He said Rockhampton residents appreciated the keen interest government heads were taking
in the crisis unfolding in its community.

"It's good to see state and national leaders taking a sincere interest in what's happening
here," he said.

Other mayors in flood ravaged council areas also received phone calls from the governor general.

Emerald Mayor Peter Maguire was one of them.

"She's a lovely lady, she's a western girl of course, she's from this area, grew up
in Ilfracombe, 300 odd kilometres west of here, she knows what happens out in the bush,"

he said.

"I briefed her on what was going on and she expressed her thanks to all the emergency
volunteers; she showed a great deal of concern."

Mr Maguire said Ms Bryce visited Emerald, in her capacity as the Queensland governor,
during the 2008 floods, and said it was likely she would pay another visit at some stage.

AAP lpm/jnb

KEYWORD: FLOODS QLD BRYCE

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