Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, has sought advice from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk about the next step involved in the establishment of an evacuation centre in Cardwell.

Mr Cripps said he had made representations on behalf of the Cardwell and District Community Association (CDCA) in relation to their proposal to establish an Evacuation Centre in Cardwell.

“Cardwell was one the communities worst affected by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasi in February 2015, with the residents of the town being asked to evacuate” said Mr Cripps.

“Since that time, a number of discussions have occurred between the CDCA, various Queensland Government departments, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, HQ Plantations and others about the possibility of an Evacuation Centre being established in Cardwell” he said.

Mr Cripps said letters of support in principle had been provided to the CDCA from the Council from a planning perspective and HQ Plantations in terms of the availability of the land.

“The draft Cassowary Coast Regional Planning Scheme is currently before the State Minister for Planning and I would have thought that this would be a logical first step in progressing this project” said Mr Cripps.

“I have asked the Premier if it would be possible to progress the planning designation on the site nominated by the CDCA, for an Evacuation Centre to be established in the future” he said.