The Services Australia Mossman Service Centre has now reopened its doors after ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused extensive flood damage in December 2023.
The reopening marks an important step in the recovery process for the local community, customers and staff.
With safety of staff and the community the highest priority, extensive works were carried out in order to reopen – including addressing an extensive mould infestation.
The Shire of Douglas has a population of over 12,000, and around 800 customers come through the doors of the Mossman Service Centre every month.
The temporary service centre located at the Town & Country Shopping Centre, Shop 2, 63 Front Street Mossman, has now closed.
The refurbished Mossman Service Centre at 23 Front Street, Mossman QLD 4873, is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:
“We all remember the devastation that ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper wreaked on Mossman 14 months ago, which is why it’s so terrific that this Service Centre is reopening its doors.
“Services Australia played a key role in supporting the community after the floods, supporting communities to get back on their feet and helping families access federal disaster payments.
“This bright and renovated new space will ensure locals can access the services they rely on every day.
“A major priority in the early days was ensuring locals had a place to physically go for support. The use of the Australian Government Mobile Service Centre, Desert Rose, was critical in achieving that.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland, Nita Green:
"It’s vital we’re prepared when natural disasters hit our communities, especially those who depend on tourism to survive.
“Services Australia does a remarkable job supporting remote communities during emergencies and crisis across the country. The resilience shown by staff impacted by the disaster themselves was commendable.
“Seeing this effort first-hand was special. The agency’s dedicated emergency response team worked around the clock with Douglas Shire Council and numerous emergency agencies to ensure the local community stayed connected.”