FED:Far north Qld to see 'destruction': PM=4

AAP General News (Australia)
02-02-2011
FED:Far north Qld to see 'destruction': PM=4

Ms Gillard said in the hours after the cyclone, Australia would be with north Queenslanders
on the ground making a difference.

"The people of Australia will be there to help the people of far north Queensland
through," she said.

Ms Gillard said she had personally spoken to the local MPs who were in their communities
providing leadership.

"I have also had the opportunity to speak on a number of occasions with Premier Anna
Bligh," she said.

"Premier Anna Bligh and her emergency management team are facing this crisis with the
same steely determination that has got them through so far."

Ms Gillard said 4,000 soldiers based in Townsville plus defence ships and aircraft
were available to help once the cyclone passed.

She said the defence force had already played a significant role in evacuating hospital
patients and assisting in the preparation.

"Of course the people of our defence force will continue to be there making a difference,"

she said.

MORE mb/sb/bwl

KEYWORD: YASI GILLARD UPDATE 4 CANBERRA

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.