SES answers calls for storm assistance

Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers are assisting residents affected by storms over the last six days and are ready to respond to further storms forecast, Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said.

“Since this storm pattern began on Sunday until midday today we have had around 298 volunteers on the ground responding to more than 333 requests for assistance,” Mr Roberts said.

“So far during these storms 737 calls were made to the new 132 500 SES telephone number which shows it is gaining greater awareness in the general community”.

Mr Roberts said the response to this week’s storms is yet another reminder of the vital role the SES plays in the Queensland community.

“Volunteers from Brisbane, south east, south west and central Queensland have been called upon to assist their communities this week,” he said.

“Crews from across have now been operational for six days and have done a superb job of assisting their local communities.

“I would also like to thank the many employers who allow SES members time away from their jobs so they can carry out this work.

“Special praise should also be given to the families of SES members for their ongoing support.”

Overnight SES crews again responded to numerous calls for assistance in the South West and Central regions.

Overnight requests, until midday today, totalled Mitchell 22, Moura 3, Jimbour 2, Biloela 1 and Calliope 6.

The majority of the damage was reported in Mitchell, including two properties which lost roofs completely, an industrial shed was also unroofed and a further six homes had partial roof damage.

Local Mitchell SES Controller Allen Lemon said it was a short but fierce storm.

“It was like a mini-tornado, very devastating particularly for those who lost their roofs because then everything they own was soaked by the rain,” Mr Lemon said.

“We have seen a fair bit of damage including the local sports complex and the local golf course is buried under fallen trees and branches.”

The clean up effort is also continuing around Tara and Jandowae following Wednesday night’s storms.

Additional SES Teams from Goombungee and Oakey are being sent in to assist Jandowae SES with storm damage repairs.

The number to call for assistance from the SES anywhere in Queensland is 132 500.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 07 3247 8194, 0418 197 350

Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976