TROPICAL CYCLONES GEORGE AND JACOB

11 March 2007

My wife Marlena joins me and all Australians in expressing our heartfelt sympathy to the Pilbara community for the tragic death and injury toll associated with the devastating weather events flowing from Cyclone George.

We pray that Cyclone Jacob will spare your communities further devastation and we were thankful to hear today that the Bureau of Meteorology has advised that the cyclone has weakened overnight into a category two system. The threat though obviously remains high and we join you in your concern that Cyclone Jacob might again build in intensity.

Many of you will feel isolated and concerned at this time but we hope that you can take comfort in the fact that the nation is behind you and that the Australian community is concerned about your welfare.

Marlena and I are familiar with your region and we know that with true Aussie spirit you will, as always, come together to support those in need.

We applaud the efforts of emergency workers in providing assistance and we welcome the activity now underway to support the affected areas.

Our thoughts are with you during this difficult and distressing time.



Government House
Canberra