Govt readies for Rocky flood: Bligh

Extra State Government resources and personnel are being marshalled to assist Rockhampton prepare for this weekend’s Fitzroy River flooding, Premier Anna Bligh and Member for Rockhampton Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten said today.

The Premier, who is in Winton for tomorrow’s Australia Day celebrations, was briefed by the Member for Rockhampton before her departure.

“I told the Premier Rocky residents, as always, will respond knowing that our fair city will cope with the flooding,” said the Member for Rockhampton.

“I do however urge all residents to stay tuned to local media outlets and heed the calls of our emergency response experts,” he said.

Ms Bligh said the Fitzroy River is expected to peak in Rockhampton on Tuesday, but given the Emerald water is to arrive later next week our response preparations will naturally extend well into next week and beyond,” she said.

They said that the Queensland Government has deployed an extra 45 staff to Rockhampton with an extra 20 to come in over the weekend to bolster planning and preparations for flooding of the Fitzroy River.

“These staff will be directly involved in preparations and some are relieving staff during this very busy time,” Mr Schwarten said.

The additional 45 staff are from Queensland Police Service (18), Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (12), Emergency Management Queensland (nine) and Department of Public Works (six). The Department of Communities will deploy an additional 20 staff to Rockhampton over the weekend.

“From Emergency Management Queensland, some of the additional staff being moved to Rockhampton are fresh from the preparations and planning for flooding in Charleville and Emerald.”

“Staff from Emergency Management Queensland are directly working with the Rockhampton City Council on the local and district Disaster Management Groups.”

Mr Schwarten said that the Queensland Government’s State Disaster Management Group, made up of Directors-General of key departments and agencies, is meeting across the weekend to focus on the Rockhampton preparations and immediate response.

As well the Department of Communities has as many as 100 staff on standby for possible deployment to Rockhampton.

Meanwhile the Regional Executive Director (Fitzroy-Central West) of Education Queensland will be advised by the Disaster Management Committee tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday about any flood impacts on the Port Curtis Road and Depot Hill state schools and any possible changed arrangements for the start of school on Tuesday.

“If the schools cannot be accessed, principals, staff and parents will be contacted,” said Mr Schwarten.

Queensland Health will leave the transportation of people requiring unplanned medical treatment to the QAS and Emergency Services.

He said that the Central Queensland Health Service District has made plans for patients requiring necessary and planned treatment; such as renal dialysis, cancer oncology and antenatal care.

Five renal dialysis patients from Woorabinda have been moved to Rockhampton so they can receive timely treatment.

Once antenatal patient from Blackwater has moved to Rockhampton at the instigation of the patient and the Blackwater clinic.

Alternate treatment was organised in Gladstone for an oncology patient while others have had their treatment rescheduled.

All plans are in place at Rockhampton area health facilities.

“For example, supplies have been increased to ensure there are three weeks of stock and Red Cross has increased its holding of blood and blood products,”

All contingencies are in place, but it is unlikely it will be needed,” he said.

The Queensland Health website http://www.health.qld.gov.au/floods also offers practical health advice and contacts for people seeking assistance.

Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500