Nearly 90 QBuild workers from Brisbane have been sent to help devastated communities get back on their feet in the wake of Cyclone Yasi.
The workers join 160 local QBuild field staff already helping with the recovery effort.
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said: "QBuild are on the ground from Cairns to Townsville including 'ground zero' communities such as Innisfail, Silkwood, Mission Beach, Tully and Cardwell.”
"They are doing damage assessments and maintenance on schools, TAFEs, residences and other government infrastructure."
Public Works is making its register of contractors with asbestos removalist accreditation available to the cyclone-affected areas as well as helping to supply personal protective equipment and clothing.
Schwarten said Public Works was also working closely with Queensland Health to provide structural assessments of health facilities.
In addition to recovery efforts, the Department of Public Works has for many years supported the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station.
"We are sponsoring research into building design, construction materials, water penetration caused by wind and identifying ways to reduce or eliminate these problems," he said.
"Information provided from this research has been instrumental in assisting the department to develop the Mitigating the adverse impacts of Cyclones, Evacuation and Shelter Guideline."
In 2010-11, Public Works is providing $100,000 for research, including the resilience of housing and engineered buildings to severe winds.
