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Thieves snatch generators in cyclone-hit Rockhampton

AAP

AAP

Generators used to power traffic lights at four high-risk intersections in cyclone-ravaged Rockhampton have been stolen.

Queensland Police said the generators, powering intersections affected by Tropical Cyclone Marcia, were stolen sometime Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday.

They were taken from lights at the intersections of Albert and Bolsover Street, Dean and High Street, Alexandra and Farm Street and, Dean and Kerrigan Street.

The ‘forgotten town’ devastated by Cyclone Marcia
• Small Qld towns reel from Cyclone Marcia
• Marcia leaves her impression

A former Rockhampton council employee turned technology entrepreneur, meanwhile, has donated nearly 50 generators for residents affected by the cyclone.

Brisbane-based Megaport Chief Executive and founder Bevan Slattery said after watching Marcia wreak havoc to the place he called home for 25 years, he decided to do something.

The former member of the BRW Young Rich List on Monday donated about 47 2 kW generators to residents requiring power for medical reasons.

ABC

The generators have been stolen from four traffic intersections in Rockhampton. Photo: ABC

He has made provisions to set up a massive mobile phone charging station at a local shopping centre from Tuesday.

“I’ve never forgotten my roots. I still have a lot of friends in central Queensland and Rockhampton,” he told ABC News.

“Seeing this happen, you just want to be able to help.

“I hope the people with medical issues will have the power they need to be able to function and continue.

“Hopefully they can then open their fridges to people in their streets.”

Rockhampton was hard hit by the storm, which crossed the coast as a category five system early Friday morning, tearing down power lines and ripping roofs of hundreds of houses.

A total of 128 phone charging stations will be available at the Stockland Shopping Centre from Tuesday morning, with additional charging stations in operation at the library.

The Red Cross and Lifeline will be on location to provide recovery advice.

Generators have been in high demand, and the Rockhampton Regional Council said anyone requiring a generator should log a request through the Rockhampton Local Disaster Coordination Centre call centre on 1300 652 659.

Priority would be given to people with urgent medical needs.

Police are asking anyone with any information about the generators, orange-coloured 5-8kVA models, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

-ABC

Topics: Cyclones
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