Postponement of International Advocacy Trip Due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred

In light of Tropical Cyclone Alfred and following the decision of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and Livingstone Shire Council to move to Alert stage, Mayor Adam Belot and State Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton have made the responsible decision to postpone their scheduled international advocacy trip.

While strengthening international ties remains a priority for the region’s economic future, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is paramount.

Mayor Belot and Mr. Hutton have both agreed wholeheartedly that their focus must remain on supporting the community and local preparations at this time.

“We remain committed to fostering investment and economic growth through strong international partnerships, but with timing of our departure being Saturday 1 March, it was becoming clear this was a decision that needed to be made,” Mayor Belot said.

“The immediate priority is ensuring our community is well-prepared and supported as we face the potential impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.”

Mr. Hutton reaffirmed his commitment to regional development remains unchanged but that the needs of the community must always come first.

“Our community will always be my priority and given the memories of Cyclone Marcia ten years ago, as leaders, it is important we remain on hand to ensure the community are informed and assisted as we prepare ourselves for the potential of another cyclone coming across our shores,” Mr Hutton said.

“Since announcing our intention to travel to Japan, we have already seen a tightening of our bonds in our relationships with Mr Iwasaki and Mr Ding through our online discussions with both parties and Trade and Investment Queensland.

“We have a shared aspiration for visits to Australia and our business community are reaching out to partner and work with both parties.

“Our communications, and our willingness to show respect by reaching out to them thus far have gone a long way to strengthen relations between our international landowners.

“However, right now, our focus is the next few days.”

Council will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as required. Further details regarding the rescheduling of the advocacy trip will be announced in due course.

Council will continue to provide regular updates on TC Alfred through its official communication channels, including the Livingstone Shire Council Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/livingstoneshirecouncil and the Disaster Dashboard https://disaster.livingstone.qld.gov.au/.