Cyclone Jasper Recovery and Temporary Housing Program


Client: Douglas Shire, Cairns Regional, Townsville City Councils and Department of Housing

Forge Solutions came to Queensland’s aid, swiftly restoring normalcy to LGAs impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper (TC Jasper) in December 2023.

Forge Solutions were engaged by Douglas Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council, Townsville City Council and Department of Housing to deliver temporary emergency accommodation solutions, high volume case management, high volume waste clean-up, muck-out of homes and resupply operations to isolated rural communities.

For more information on TC Jasper recovery, please contact Forge Solutions:

enquiries@forgesolutions.au

The Challenge

TC Jasper made landfall in FNQ in December 2023 as the wettest tropical cyclone in Australian history (surpassing cyclone Peter of 1979), causing extraordinary flooding, large scale devastation and isolation impacting thousands of Queensland’s families. In the immediate aftermath of TC Jasper, local Governments faced one of their largest catastrophes in history.

The Solution

With a strategic approach and rapid action, Forge facilitated comprehensive waste cleanup programs, including the rapid establishment of a fully self-contained waste management and transfer facility, that set a new benchmark for disaster recovery in Far North Queensland. Forge co-ordinated surveillance and data capture which enabled precise identification of contaminated areas on both land and water, facilitating targeted cleanup initiatives. Large scale kerbside waste removal for over 1000 impacted residents was conducted, swiftly restoring normalcy to affected communities.

Forge executed thorough environmental waste cleanup to mitigate ecological impacts and maintain world class standards in environmental stewardship. Residential muck out and restoration operations were conducted with sensitivity and efficiency, addressing the unique needs of each homeowner. Forge’s case management ensured personalised support for all residents, navigating complexities with compassion and professionalism. Furthermore, Forge’s commitment to sustainability demonstrated through the setup and management of waste separation areas, maximised resource recovery while minimising environmental footprint. Forge also managed resupply operations to isolated communities and isolated rural properties via road and maritime delivery, holding rotary wing capabilities on standby. Regular, accurate and detailed reporting by Forge staff has enabled effective situational awareness and messaging.

Forge rapidly deployed temporary accommodation solutions to house residents who had lost their homes as a result of TC Jasper. Upon deployment of temporary accommodation solutions to residents in need within Cairns, Douglas and Cook Shire Councils, Forge handled all logistics, civil works and infrastructure associated to deliver fully self-contained solutions. Forge has managed and conducted sustainment and reporting activities on a daily basis including power generation, water supply and maintenance in all locations. These services are still ongoing.

To diversify options available to impacted residents, Forge were novated the operational management of a site in Bloomfield, with the support of DoH. The Bloomfield site was developed as a central location of refuge for impacted residents who were unable to receive emergency accommodation at their affected properties. Timely delivery of these solutions has been essential to the safety, health and wellbeing of community members.

The Outcome

Cairns and Douglas Councils have acknowledged the efforts of Forge as being fast, efficient and effective. Forge mitigated public health impacts by rapidly clearing waste and debris and created safe access to properties, ensuring residents could return and begin rebuilding their lives. Forge played a central role in preserving the health and wellbeing of residents through provision of safe and habitable housing solutions and trauma informed case management.