The Civil Contractors Federation Queensland branch facilitated the forum event, providing contractors with the opportunity to learn lessons from the recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina – the tropical cyclone that devastated the US city of New Orleans in 2005.

Keynote speaker Pearlina Thomas of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors spoke of her involvement in the rebuilding process following Hurricane Katrina, sharing her own experiences, as well as those of fellow contractors in Louisiana.

Event attendees were given key messages for rebuilding after natural disasters including the importance of governing responsibly, respecting the community and ensuring that any reconstruction promises made could be delivered on time and on budget.

“We are very pleased to [host] Pearlina and … provide Queensland civil contractors with the opportunity to hear about her experiences,” CCF Qld CEO Robert Row said.

“Queensland is no stranger to natural disasters and we may be able to learn a great deal from the experiences of those in other jurisdictions.”