Published Tuesday, 08 January, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Work continues on SEQ flood response
The State Government will use its Emergency Management Queensland helicopter to check on nine isolated properties, and re-supply them with food and other essentials where necessary, in the Beaudesert shire.
Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser said the properties near Christmas Creek were isolated after an access bridge was knocked down by floodwaters.
"These properties have been visited by helicopter and Emergency Services want to check on these residents and what they might need as access has not been re-established," Mr Fraser said.
“There are approximately 40 residents on these nine properties.”
Up to 20 properties, with about 60 residents, across the south-east region remain isolated.
Mr Fraser said he paid tribute to the determination and dedication of almost 500 SES volunteers from across the region who have assisted residents since floodwaters started to rise late last week.
“There is no doubt the quick and comprehensive response of the SES has helped residents deal with the impact of floodwaters,” Mr Fraser said.
“Floodwaters are now receding across the region, and as they do the full extent of the damage will become much clearer.”
“Flood warnings are no longer current for the Albert or Logan Rivers. Residents are urged to avoid swimming or driving through fast-flowing waters.”
Mr Fraser said any residents who require SES assistance should contact the SES Hotline on 132 500.
Yesterday, Mr Fraser activated assistance for the flood-affected local government areas of Gold Coast and Beaudesert, including the jointly-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
Assistance was activated in these areas after preliminary assessments of damage to public infrastructure, such as roads, exceeded $2 million.
“Even if the damage bill reaches $10 million the local shire council would not need to contribute more than $285,000.”
Assessments are continuing in other local government areas today.
Mr Fraser said ironically flood-affected shires in the south-east, including Beaudesert, Boonah and Warwick, were currently drought-declared by the State Government.
“It highlights the harsh reality of our variable climate; a reality becoming more evident as a result of climate change,” Mr Fraser said.
“In recent years, the south-east has suffered from an unprecedented drought. Now parts are contending with the damage of floods.”
Media Contact: Chris Ward 0418 424 654
Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser said the properties near Christmas Creek were isolated after an access bridge was knocked down by floodwaters.
"These properties have been visited by helicopter and Emergency Services want to check on these residents and what they might need as access has not been re-established," Mr Fraser said.
“There are approximately 40 residents on these nine properties.”
Up to 20 properties, with about 60 residents, across the south-east region remain isolated.
Mr Fraser said he paid tribute to the determination and dedication of almost 500 SES volunteers from across the region who have assisted residents since floodwaters started to rise late last week.
“There is no doubt the quick and comprehensive response of the SES has helped residents deal with the impact of floodwaters,” Mr Fraser said.
“Floodwaters are now receding across the region, and as they do the full extent of the damage will become much clearer.”
“Flood warnings are no longer current for the Albert or Logan Rivers. Residents are urged to avoid swimming or driving through fast-flowing waters.”
Mr Fraser said any residents who require SES assistance should contact the SES Hotline on 132 500.
Yesterday, Mr Fraser activated assistance for the flood-affected local government areas of Gold Coast and Beaudesert, including the jointly-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
Assistance was activated in these areas after preliminary assessments of damage to public infrastructure, such as roads, exceeded $2 million.
“Even if the damage bill reaches $10 million the local shire council would not need to contribute more than $285,000.”
Assessments are continuing in other local government areas today.
Mr Fraser said ironically flood-affected shires in the south-east, including Beaudesert, Boonah and Warwick, were currently drought-declared by the State Government.
“It highlights the harsh reality of our variable climate; a reality becoming more evident as a result of climate change,” Mr Fraser said.
“In recent years, the south-east has suffered from an unprecedented drought. Now parts are contending with the damage of floods.”
Media Contact: Chris Ward 0418 424 654