Flood information - links

[somebody]

I don't think I said anyone needed to go out and place signs on the street.  Putting the info on the website would have been easily achievable and would presumably have saved call centre enquiries.

[Stillwater]

It is hard to fire up the computer when it is full of mud, on the street with the rest of your household contents, or requires a pedel generator to keep it going.  Positioning a bus stop at an appropriate spot amid piles of debris and in a way that people and cars performing drop-offs don't interfere with the flood effort can be tricky.  It is a difficult one.

[ozbob]

From Rail Express click here!

QLD floods update
by Rail Express — last modified Jan 19, 2011 10:15 AM
— filed under: Weekly Top Stories, Rail

While the impacts of floodwaters on infrastructure throughout Queensland are still being assessed, QR National railings continue to be affected by flooding and the rail systems that feed Gladstone port have been severely damaged.
   
 
QLD floods update

By Jennifer Perry and Jim Wilson

QR National Queensland coal networks update
QR National's Moura coal line re-opened to all traffic on January 13 and the Blackwater network is now targeted to re-open later this week.

The company's latest update, dated January 13 on local coal networks is as follows:

•    The Newlands line to Abbot Point Coal terminal near Bowen continues to operate. The Newlands system has remained open throughout and while it operated at reduced railings in December it has recovered well in January;

•    The Goonyella network into the ports of Dalrymple Bay and Hay Point, south of Mackay, continues to operate. It was closed from December 24 to December 30 following derailment of a Pacific National train near Yukan. The network is currently working at around 70% capacity due to reduced coal availability;

•    The Blackwater network that feeds into the port of Gladstone is expected to re-open later this week, following a detailed inspection and assessment of flood-damaged track on January 12. The system has been closed since December 27. On current estimates, services are expected to resume on the line as early as January 20, pending no significant rain and recovery operations proceeding as planned. It is planned that services would be available from Burngrove (near Blackwater) east from that time, and then progressively mines located on the (northern) Gregory branch line from the coming weekend. Precise dates for the resumption of services for the Minerva and Rolleston mines are yet to be determined;

•    The Moura system re-opened on January 13. The system was closed on December 29 and then partially re-opened to the mines of Callide and Boundary Hill on January 4;

•    In southern Queensland, QR National is unable to operates services west of Brisbane because of flooding and damage to the rail line on the Toowoomba Range following a landslide on January 10. QR National is awaiting further advice from the network owner, Queensland Rail, on the extent of the damage to infrastructure and likely timeframe for restoration on the track. QR National is unable to provide services to coal customers, west of Brisbane and to grain and general freight customers in south-west Queensland; and

•    QR National's general freight services along the North Coast line to locations beyond Gladstone to Cairns are not able to operate because the line remains cut by floodwaters at Rockhampton. This is expected to continue through to at least mid this week.

Many areas of the coal network continue to be subject to speed restrictions, allowing QR National to monitor track condition as train services resume and increase and future repair requirements are assessed.

The company said it is working closely with all participants in the coal export supply chain to maximise throughput. It is liaising daily with coal mining customers to understand the coal available for railing, including available stockpiles and when coal producing can re-commence.

Floods impact Asciano
Asciano has advised that its businesses including Pacific National are being impacted by ongoing severe weather conditions in Queensland and New South Wales.

As a result of flooding a number of PN customers have issued force majeure notices under their coal haulage contracts.

NSW coal haulage volumes are being impacted by coal chain congestion and the restricted availability of coal. In particular, weather related issues in the Gunnedah Basin and the Ulan network will likely reduce the average haul length anticipated in NSW during the fiscal year.

Consequently, the forecasted growth in revenues for the PN coal division will be impacted, however Asciano said it was not able to make a full assessment of both the business and financial implications at this point in time.

Ports update
Floodwaters have twisted south Queensland rail systems that feed Gladstone port "like a corkscrew".

Port users at the port of Gladstone said that the port is working more or less normally, except for disruptions to coal and grain receivals.

"It's just business as usual but port access is the problem - rail in and out of the port is the problem," one port user said.

"The rail tracks have been twisted like a corkscrew," he said, referring to the tracks outside the port, south of Emerald and west of the mines.

"They are also said to be service lines, not main lines, "but you can still run coal over it," the source said.

A Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal spokesman added that because of the rail track damage around Gladstone, coal had been diverted to DBCT.

The rail link from Dawson Mine at Moura is up and running, allowing several coal shipments to be railed into Gladstone, with the port recommencing shiploading on January 15.

Gladstone Ports Corporation chief executive Leo Zussino said additional trains from more nearby mines may be sent on January 21 as owing to rail repairs.

There are also six trains that were loaded prior to Christmas located on the line.

A spokeswoman for Gladstone port said that the "trains are due, but we don't yet know how many are coming."

She added that the coal stockpile was "seriously depleted - it's less than 500,000 tonnes."

Meanwhile, priority shipping operations resumed at the port Brisbane on January 16, however it could take some weeks before all berths are brought on line.

The Port of Bundaberg remains closed to commercial shipping because of the flooded Burnett River.

Port Alma also remains closed to commercial shipping due to flood conditions in the Rockhampton area.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

New body set up to rebuild Queensland

New body set up to rebuild Queensland
Jessica Marszalek
January 19, 2011 - 12:19PM

A new reconstruction authority will decide if infrastructure, and even entire suburbs, should be rebuilt in flood-hit parts of Queensland.

Premier Anna Bligh today announced the new Queensland Reconstruction Authority would replace the rebuilding taskforce headed by Major General Mick Slater.

Its job will be to co-ordinate the rebuilding program in 60 flood-affected communities, with Major General Slater chairing a board of five.

Co-ordinator General Graham Newton has been appointed chief executive.

Ms Bligh said the new entity would have greater powers than the taskforce and would be established by an act of parliament next month.

She said it would make tough calls, including whether some places should be rebuilt.

"The reconstruction authority will be charged with working with local governments to determine, in some cases, whether we should be rebuilding exactly the same thing in exactly the same place, whether it's a bridge, or whether it's a suburb," Ms Bligh told reporters at Ipswich.

"We need to make smart decisions as a result of this event.

"... Some of them are going to be very tough decisions, but we owe it to future generations to bite the bullet and make the right ones."

She said communities would be consulted and the process would be given the sensitivity it required.

"For some of them, it may be that instead of rebuilding their house as it was before, they might need to build their home on a higher level and put it on stilts to protect them in future," she said.

"But we are going to go and talk to communities, and not just in Brisbane but right across Queensland, about whether some of the places we've seen homes built are the right places to rebuild them.

"... The last thing we want to do is rebuild in the same place and see that home flooded again in two or three years' time."

She said the authority would also prioritise which roads, bridges and railways should be repaired first.

The authority would have the powers to cut through red tape and would be required to report publicly on its progress, the premier said.

"We want to be standing here in 12 months' time being able to say that the reconstruction task is proceeding as fast as humanly possible, not stuck in someone's in-tray waiting for an approval," Ms Bligh said.

AAP

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
19/01/2011

Authority tasked to get Queensland back on its feet

Premier Anna Bligh today announced the establishment of a new Queensland Reconstruction Authority to get the State back on its feet.

The Premier said the statutory Authority will manage the enormous task of rebuilding and repairing infrastructure in more than 60 flood affected communities across Queensland.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will scope and coordinate the total statewide rebuilding program.

"These floods have been catastrophic and we have a post-war scale building task ahead of us. We need a dedicated body to prioritise that," Ms Bligh said.

"Our volunteers, SES workers, emergency services workers, police and defence force have done a phenomenal job of helping communities clean up.

The Premier said the Queensland Reconstruction Authority would be responsible for developing and implementing a statewide plan for rebuilding and reconnecting communities across the State.

"Its role will be to work closely with local governments and communities to ensure the unique characteristics of each community are factored into the rebuilding process.

"It will also coordinate government and non government organisations to deliver the necessary services to assist individual communities in the rebuilding process.

Ms Bligh said more than 70 per cent of the State had been affected by floods across many federal, state and local government areas of responsibility.

"We have a massive rebuilding task ahead of us, and it needs to be coordinated so we can get it right for every flood affected community.

The Premier said Major General Mick Slater would chair the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Board.

The Board will have the necessary skills and experience that will be vital to the rebuilding task.

"The Major General has been appointed to lead the recovery effort and develop a road map to recovery.

"He has been on the task since he was appointed in early January and his leadership will be vital.

Ms Bligh said Coordinator General Graham Newton had been appointed CEO of the Authority.

"Mr Newton brings with him a wealth of experience in planning and infrastructure and will be invaluable as we set about the task of rebuilding.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will be provided, through legislation, with all necessary powers to implement all recommendations of the Board.

"Many Queenslanders have been through a very tough time and we have a long rebuilding road ahead of us.

"For many people, the healing process is about getting their lives back to normal - returning to their homes, their workplaces, their towns.

"What's more, our road and rail networks are the lifeblood of this State and crucial to getting crops and livestock to market and coal to port.

"We have a massive task ahead of us and we are going to all need to work together to get Queensland back on its feet.

"But if we have learned anything over the last few weeks it is that Queenslanders are up to the challenge."

Ends.

[ozbob]

Heads up, possible storms later today.

Brisbanetimes --> More heavy storms for southeast

[ozbob]

Strange radar .. ==> http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.loop.shtml

[ozbob]

Stand to, possible incoming --> http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.loop.shtml

BOM Radar 1626 19th January 2011

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DAMAGING WIND, FLASH FLOODING and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of the LOCKYER VALLEY, IPSWICH CITY, SOUTHERN DOWNS, SCENIC RIM and TOOWOOMBA Council Areas.

Issued at 4:27 pm Wednesday, 19 January 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:25 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the area northwest of Toowoomba and Oakey.

They are forecast to affect Toowoomba and the area west of Toowoomba by 4:55 pm and the area south of Toowoomba, the area southwest of Toowoomba and Cambooya by 5:25 pm.

Damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

2cm hail was observed at Oakey

[ozbob]

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health
The Honourable Paul Lucas
19/01/2011

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED QUEENSLANDERS

Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas today assured Queenslanders there is appropriate support available for people who are dealing with emotional and psychological impacts following the flood crisis.

Mr Lucas said as the State moved into recovery and clean-up following the floods, ensuring Queenslanders had access to mental health care through Queensland Health was a top priority.

Mr Lucas also welcomed two renowned mental health experts to the team - Professor Beverly Raphael, a leading expert in coordinating mental health responses to natural disasters, and Professor Patrick McGorry, Australian of the Year, Executive Director of Orygen Youth Health and internationally renowned clinician and advocate for youth mental health.

"The events of recent weeks have been devastating for so many people, on a scale that is unprecedented," Mr Lucas said.

"Queenslanders have shown enormous courage throughout this ordeal and a lot of people will have the support of family and friends to help them get through the tough times ahead.

"But the important message to Queenslanders right now is that no one is immune to the emotional distress caused by these floods, and anyone who needs extra support should know that it is here for them.

"We want to make sure all Queenslanders receive the care they need, where they need it, during this difficult time.

"That's why I have made sure that my Department is out on the frontline, in neighbourhoods, in evacuation and recovery centres.

"Already we have mental health outreach teams operating in flood affected communities, from Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley, to Theodore, through to Rockhampton and Emerald.

"These teams are operating in evacuation and recovery centres as well as visiting door-to-door where it's needed.

"Queensland Health is also working closely with other organisations, including Lifeline and the Red Cross.

"And because we want to get this right we have also welcomed the assistance of world leading experts," Mr Lucas said.

Professor Beverly Raphael and Professor Patrick McGorry have begun working with Queensland Health this week.

They will visit the flood affected areas to give practical assistance and share their extensive knowledge with the mental health teams that are already providing support to these communities.

Mr Lucas said at a time like this, Queenslanders need to look after their own mental health and the mental health of their family, friends and neighbours.

It is time to ask for help if:

    * your sleep is badly affected
    * you feel very distressed, irritable, on edge or agitated much of the time
    * you feel hopeless, despairing, miserable or that you can't go on
    * you have trouble concentrating, are distracted and cannot do your usual tasks
    * you feel your health is not so good
    * you have recurrent nightmares or intrusive thoughts about the emergency
    * you have new symptoms or old problems may seem to have returned, eg. breathing, heart and stomach problems.

People can seek help for distress related to the storms and floods through their general practitioner, local Community Health Centre or Mental Health Service, Lifeline (13 11 14) or Australian Red Cross (1800 733 111) or by approaching Queensland Government help desks at local community recovery centres.

Ends.

[ozbob]

BOM Radar 1720 19 January 2011

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.loop.shtml

[ozbob]

Not looking good at all ..  biggest storm cell I have seen for weeks ..

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.loop.shtml



SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DAMAGING WIND, FLASH FLOODING and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the LOCKYER VALLEY, IPSWICH CITY, SCENIC RIM and parts of the LOGAN CITY, SOMERSET and TOOWOOMBA Council Areas.

Issued at 5:54 pm Wednesday, 19 January 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:55 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Mulgowie, Helidon, Maroon Dam and Rosevale.

These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast.

They are forecast to affect Boonah, Laidley and Gatton by 6:25 pm and Beaudesert, the area between Boonah and Beaudesert and Hampton by 6:55 pm.

Damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

2cm hail was observed at Oakey

[ozbob]

BOM Radar 1920 19 Jan 2011

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
19/01/2011

Brisbane will raise the flag on our National Day vows Premier

Premier Anna Bligh has vowed that Brisbane will hold its traditional Australia Day flag raising ceremony this year in defiance of the devastation caused by the Brisbane floods.

Ms Bligh made her pledge after changes were made to the annual Australia Day celebrations because of the damage caused to the South Bank Parklands.

"We not going to let these floods ruin our national day and I am determined to have our flag raised on our nation day as a symbol of the resilience of Queenslanders," said the Premier.

"The planned South Bank celebrations will not be able to go ahead but we will be holding the traditional Flag Raising Ceremony at an alternative venue and the details for that will be released in the coming days.

"The free AusSounds Australia Day Concert will also proceed and will be relocated to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"The concert will provide an opportunity for the community to come together after the terrible test we have been through.

"Communities around Queensland are also planning to host more than 130 regional Australia Day events, many of them raising funds for flood affected families and businesses.

"It is important that we keep ourspirits up in the aftermath of these floods and we will recognise Australia day with as much passion and pride as we always have."

The Premier added that she wanted to encourage Australians to hold back yard barbeques and collect money for the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.

"What could be more Australian than having a barbeque and doing your bit to help less fortunate people in your State?" said Ms Bligh.

The AusSounds Australia Day Concert will feature local bands Charlie Mayfair and Ball Park Music and Australia's first Idol and multi-platinum artist Guy Sebastian.

Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Bookings can be made from Thursday atwww.ticketek.com.au. There will also be an opportunity to donate to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal at the event.

The annual Australia Day Lunch will proceed as planned at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 25 January featuring Richie Benaud, David Fordham and Troy Cassar-Daley.

The Australia Day Ambassadors Program, proudly sponsored by Woolworths, will also proceed with ambassadors travelling to various locations across Queensland.

Communities around Queensland are also still planning to host more than 130 regional Australia Day events, many of them raising funds for flood affected families and businesses.

Visitaustraliaday.org.au/whatson/qld orfacebook.com/australiadayqueensland for more information about changes to Australia Day events inQueensland.

Australia Day activities in Queensland are proudly supported by the Queensland Government and assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

==============================================================

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for FLASH FLOODING

For people in the LOGAN CITY and parts of the BRISBANE CITY, GOLD COAST CITY, IPSWICH CITY and SCENIC RIM Council Areas.

Issued at 11:53 am Thursday, 20 January 2011.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce very heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Locations which may be affected

include Ipswich, Beaudesert and the area between Boonah and Beaudesert.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 12:55 pm.

[ozbob]

Advertisement in the Courier Mail 20th Jan 2011 page 6

[somebody]

It is pretty good that apparently the rail line is open or is soon to open all the way to Cairns.  Sounds like a good effort.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Major traffic snarls on Brisbane's northside

Major traffic snarls on Brisbane's northside
Daniel Hurst
January 20, 2011 - 2:18PM

The closure of AJ Wyllie Bridge on Gympie Road at Petrie is causing traffic woes in the area.

Motorists are suffering major traffic congestion on the Bruce Highway and on Gympie Road, north of Brisbane, following the closure of a bridge in Petrie due to weather damage.

Police today warned of traffic snarls in the Petrie area following the closure of both directions of the AJ Wyllie Bridge, on Gympie Road at Petrie, and also Youngs Crossing Road.

The Bruce Highway around Murrumba Downs was open to traffic but also affected by heavy congestion, police said.

The higher side of the AJ Wyllie Bridge has been closed indefinitely as major repairs are carried out, with further advice expected in the coming days.

A police statement said the lower side of the AJ Wyllie Bridge would remain closed until further notice pending inspection on reported further damage.

Youngs Crossing Road was also closed in that area, in both directions, due to water hazards as a result of controlled releases from the North Pine Dam, the statement said.

Police said it was possible the road could be re-opened later today.

"An alternative route is available for motorists travelling towards the Strathpine areas via Dohles Rocks Road and the Bruce Highway," the police statement said.

"Dohles Rocks Road experienced heavy congestion this morning resulting in long delays for motorists.

"Police are expecting extra traffic and delays in the Petrie, Lawnton and Kallangur areas, as well as on the Bruce Highway as a result this afternoon, so motorists are advised to proceed with care and remain patient."

Police said congestion was expected to remain a problem even when the lower bridge re-opened, as the higher bridge would remain closed "for some time".

This could cause delays for the next few weeks at least.

Police urged motorists to consider public transport or car pooling arrangements as an alternative to ease congestion.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Rebuilding CityCat terminals could take 18 months

[colinw]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Major traffic snarls on Brisbane's northside

Lots of potential passengers for the Moreton Bay Rail Link.  I reckon the Kippa-Ring trains will be full from day 1.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for FLASH FLOODING

For people in parts of the
LOCKYER VALLEY,
IPSWICH CITY and
SCENIC RIM Council Areas.

Issued at 3:53 pm Thursday, 20 January 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:55 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Aratula.

They are forecast to affect Rosevale by 4:25 pm.

Very heavy rainfall and flash flooding are likely.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 4:55 pm.

[BrizCommuter]

Are TransLink using the flood recovery as an excuse for the 15% fare rise?
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/01/translink-spin-alert.html

[mufreight]

Are TransLink using the flood recovery as an excuse for the 15% fare rise?
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/01/translink-spin-alert.html

Well not yet but no doubt they will use the flood recovery as an excuse to limit or fail to provide the delivery of services that the fare increase was purportedly to fund.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Wivenhoe Dam operators face threat of lawsuits

Wivenhoe Dam operators face threat of lawsuits

   * Tuck Thompson and Mark Solomons
   * From: The Courier-Mail
   * January 21, 2011 12:00AM

STATE dam operators face the prospect of huge class-action lawsuits if it is proved that they were negligent in releasing water from Wivenhoe Dam and thus contributed to flooding in Brisbane or elsewhere.

Legal experts said yesterday that the law allowed for insurance companies or groups of householders with or without insurance to sue Seqwater and its owner the State Government.

Taxpayers or water users would ultimately have to pick up the tab if payouts could not be covered by the dam's own insurers.

"We're certainly looking at that," Slater & Gordon lawyer Damien Scattini told The Courier-Mail.

"It's been a topic of discussion here. If it turns out that this could have been avoided . . . we would say we would investigate."

Litigants were likely to wait for the outcome of the commission of inquiry into the floods and use the evidence it produced before launching any actions.

One legal expert said law firms would be "licking their chops" waiting for the inquiry's findings.

"It's going to get pretty messy. An inquiry is a very neat way to get evidence," he said, commenting that Premier Anna Bligh may have made a strategic error by greasing the wheels for legal action against her own Government.

While bodies such as rural fire brigades and the ambulance service typically have statutory protections to limit liability, the expert was unaware of any such protections for state dam operators.

In August the German city of Goerlitz launched a criminal prosecution against the operators of the Witka Dam in neighbouring Poland after large quantities of water were sent downriver during flooding in which nine people died.

Lawsuits were threatened in 2009 in the Philippines after dam operators released a wall of water at the last minute during a typhoon.

And in Canada, dam managers were put on trial on criminal charges and their employer later was forced to pay millions of dollars in compensation after a release of water drowned a woman and her child in a recreation area near Ottawa in 2002.

Seqwater said yesterday that all the water releases had been carried out "by the book" to protect the integrity of the dam.

It would not comment on whether it had sought legal advice in regard to its potential liabilities.

Australian Insurance Law Association president David McKenna, of Perth law firm Jarman McKenna, said insurance companies and policy-holders had a "right of recovery" if there was legal justification.

"The right exists. It is up to the insurance companies whether they want to pursue it," he said.

Even if they don't, flood victims can make claims for uninsured damages.

Mr McKenna rejected suggestions that insurance companies were not paying claims or were delaying processing claims because they were waiting for the inquiry to absolve them of payouts.

"The two are totally separate issues," he said.

Insurance companies had a responsibility to pay if the claims met the conditions of the policy regardless of the ultimate blame, he said.

Senior insurance industry sources yesterday indicated there were no immediate plans for a lawsuit.

[ozbob]

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
20/01/2011

Dam Operations Manual released publicly

20 January 2011

The Operations Manual used to manage water levels in Wivenhoe and Somerset dams has been made publicly available today.

Minister for Natural Resources, Stephen Robertson, directed the release of the 'Manual of Operational Procedures for Flood Mitigation at Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam' as part of the Bligh Government's commitment to full transparency on matters relating to the Commission of Inquiry announced this week by Premier Anna Bligh.

"As the Premier has said, we want to know that our dams worked as they were supposed to and were operated as best as they technically could be,'' Mr Robertson said.

Mr Robertson said the Operations Manual sets out clear priorities for the strategies to manage water supplies in the dams.

The Operations Manual lists the structural safety of the dam as the highest priority, particularly in extreme weather events where there is the threat of the dam over-topping which could lead to a collapse.

With the structural safety of the dam secure, the next priorities are to protect communities from inundation, minimise disruption to rural life in the valley of the Brisbane and Stanley Rivers, provide full water supply storage after the flood, andminimise impacts to riparian flora and fauna during the drain down phase of the flood event.

The operational procedures outlined in the Operations Manual have been developed and progressively refined over many years, and have been reviewed by Australia's leading water experts.

They include Professor Colin Apelt, Head of Department, Department of Civil Engineering and Chair of the Brisbane City Council flood taskforce; University of Queensland and Mr Eric Lesleighter, Principal Hydraulic Engineer and Chief Engineer Water Resources, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation.

The Operations Manual in its current form was developed in 1992 and has had six revisions since this time, with the latest review taking place in 2009, and finalised in January 2010.

It is approved by the State's Dam Safety Regulator in accordance with the Water Supply Act 2008.

At the request of Seqwater, some sections of the published version Operations Manual have been blacked out for security reasons relating to strategically important infrastructure, Mr Robertson said.

"I acknowledged their concerns to ensure the security of the dams are not compromised by the release of certain operational sections and diagrams contained in the manual. However I also expect that the Commission of Inquiry may also consider the full release of this material during the course of proceedings," he said.

The 'Manual of Operational Procedures for Flood Mitigation at Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam' can be viewed at www.derm.qld.gov.au

==============================================================

[ozbob]

alerts@ewn.com.au

The next king tide is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday 21 Jan 2011) with a peak of 1.7 metres AHD at around 10.30am.  Sometimes king tides can cause localised flooding (tidal flooding) to the bayside, riverside and low lying parts of nearby suburbs.

Areas connected to the foreshore and tide-affected areas of the river, tidal creeks and other waterways may be affected.

The king tide is expected to be about 150 millimetres higher than today's tide of 1.55 metres AHD and 150 millimetres lower than the one experienced on 22 and 23 December 2010.

The morning high tide will remain high on Saturday and Sunday.

There is also the potential for storms and rainfall to contribute to localised creek and overland flow flooding. This could increase water levels and the potential for flooding. Residents are encouraged to monitor local radio and the Bureau of Meteorology website for storm updates.

Residents in areas prone to localised flooding due to king tides are advised to avoid parking their car on the street during the event as saltwater can cause permanent damage to vehicles. Motorists are also advised to avoid driving through saltwater on affected roads if possible.

Visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/KingTideSuburbs.html for a list of suburbs and streets that may be affected.

Sand bags are available to residents if required.  Visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/#sandbag for sand bag locations.

For more information contact Brisbane City Council - 3403 8888 or visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

[#Metro]

Wivenhoe Dam operators face threat of lawsuits

Well there you go. Didn't take long did it?

[ozbob]

Sad, Wivenhoe saved at least 2 metres off this one.  Probably saved a further 100,000 homes and businesses. 

Society is a sad mess.  Following the 1974 floods we (the community) just got on with the recovery and returning to life as we could.  Many are doing that now but sadly the vultures are circling.

[ozbob]

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/KingTideSuburbs.html

Prepare for higher than usual king tide

The next king tide is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) with a peak of 1.7 metres AHD at around 10.30am. Sometimes king tides can cause localised flooding (tidal flooding) to the bayside, riverside and low lying parts of nearby suburbs.
Suburbs and streets that may be affected

    * Albion: In the vicinity of Albion Park raceway at Albion, including Park, Amy, Agnes, Yulestar, Narial, Higgs, Hutchieson, Pedder, Bogan and Fox streets, Abbotsford Road and the intersection of Wallace Street and Sandgate Road, Breakfast Creek Road
    * Brisbane CBD: Low lying parts of the Coronation Drive bikeway/pedestrian pathways and Southbank bikeway/pedestrian pathways
    * Deagon: Finnie, Stockholm, Henderson
    * Hemmant: Low lying land in the vicinity of Youngs Road
    * Lota: Low lying land in the vicinity of the Esplanade and Bellevue Parade
    * Newstead: In the vicinity of Edmondstone and Commercial roads and Ann, Ross, Waterloo, Argyle, Longlands, Austin , Byres and Durong streets
    * Sandgate: Fourth to Nineteenth Avenue, Flinders Parade and Perkins Street
    * Windsor: In the vicinity of Northey Street and its intersection with Bowen Bridge Road and Victoria, Bryden, Somerset, Edgar, Downey, Cullen, Nicholas streets and O'Doherty Lane
    * Bowen Hills: Abbottsford Road (near Burrows Street)
    * Wynnum: Wynnum Esplanade
    * East Brisbane: Cambridge, Didswith, Hilton streets and Walter Avenue
    * In parks or low lying land in Hemmant, Lota and Teneriffe and bikeways on Coronation Drive, South Bank and near the QUT CityCat terminal

Sand bags are available to residents if required.

    * Asphalt Plant, 228 Curtain Ave West, Eagle Farm
    * Mt Coot-tha Road, Mt Coot-tha Gardens
    * Darra Works Depot, Shamrock Rd, Darra
    * Balmoral Works Depot, Redfern Street, Morningside
    * Newmarket SES Depot, Wilston Rd, Newmarket (in carpark off Erneton Street)
    * Zillmere Works Depot, Jennings Street, Zillmere
    * Stafford Works Depot, Turner Road, Kedron
    * Green Square Close, Fortitude Valley
    * Virginia Depot, Lathe St, Virginia
    * Hawthorne, Hawthorne Park
    * Tarragindi Reservoir, Tarragindi Road, Tarragindi

[ozbob]

Just passed through Goodna railway station (onboard EMU34).  Small section up end closed off, apart from that in a remarkable good shape.  Hard to imagine that completely under water this time last week.  Great work QR.

Goodna - from the train









Photographs R Dow 21st January 2011

[ozbob]

Some photographs on the way to and at Rosewood.



Flood peak marked on trees near Redbank



Rosewood




Empty coal heading into Ebenezer






Wulkaraka













Photographs R Dow 21st January 2011

[somebody]

Are very interesting article (well, perhaps I'm biased because it reflects my thinking): http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/far-too-much-water-left-in-the-dam/story-e6frg6zo-1225990589929

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/TrainHolidays/Pages/HolidaySpecialDetails.aspx?hps=179

50% off* rail fares

We want to help get Queensland moving

Fares have been slashed by 50%* for a limited time.

These B-Quick fares are amazing value and seats will fill fast, so get onboard and book now!

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Hope, anger and inquiry: A week after the disaster

[ozbob]

A message from Campbell - January 22

It has been 11 days since the devastating flood hit Brisbane. Almost 12,000 residencies and 2,500 commercial properties were flood-affected. Power was cut to 250,000 properties and more than 126,000 tonnes of rubbish has been collected and dumped into Council landfill sites. 

I am pleased to say that we are on top of the clean-up effort so far. From the massive volunteer effort last weekend, where we had over 23,000 people register through Brisbane City Council, to help the flood clean-up to this weekend where hundreds of people have adopted local parks to help clean them up.

It is time to bid farewell to our friends in the Army who have done a fantastic job in removing the massive piles of rubbish and debris from devastated streets. Similarly the SES, various utility providers, police, council officers, ambulance and fire fighters will all begin to taper off their assistance as Brisbane continues on the road to recovery.

There are too many people to thank personally. But you might be interested to know that these people have met daily since before the flood as part of the Local Disaster Management Group to help guide Brisbane through this difficult time.

There efforts cannot be understated.

This group of dedicated individuals will close down regular meetings from today but rest assured there is still a huge amount of help available if you need assistance. Please phone Council on 3403 8888 to arrange help from volunteers or to seek advice from a qualified tradesperson.

We have closed our Evacuation Centres at RNA Showgrounds and QEII Stadium at Nathan, which provided much needed refuge to flood-affected residents. Since they opened last Tuesday night, they provided food, comfort and a warm, dry place to sleep to over 16,500 people at RNA and 700 people at QEII.

There are now recovery centres established where people can go to charge phones, get food and seek financial or legal assistance. A list is provided below.

This recovery effort is a marathon, not a sprint, but I am pleased with the speed of our response to date. On behalf of Council, I want to thank all Brisbane residents for your cooperation and determination through what has been a very difficult and challenging time.

This will be the final flood recovery update and my regular newsletter will continue in February. In the meantime please look out for a special edition of the Living In Brisbane newsletter from early February to tell you everything you need to know about how you can help, or be helped further.

Be assured though that Council's work will continue and if you have any questions or need further help, please contact us on 3403 8888. Please take care, and also sign up to our Early Warning Alert service to inform you of future weather threats.

Campbell Newman
LORD MAYOR
Flood Recovery Update

Waste Collection

More than 126,000 tonnes of flood-affected rubbish has now been dumped in landfill sites across the City since the cleanup began. More than 47,000 vehicles have unloaded at various Council waste sites.

Rubbish collection will resume as normal from Monday. Although bins will be collected on normal days, residents are asked to be patient as truck drivers cope with larger loads. Please do not dispose of mud or sandbags in Council wheelie bins. Waste trucks are unable to manage additional weight and as a result, bins cannot be collected.

Council Waste Transfer Stations remain open between 6am and 9pm and dumping of flood-affected waste is free of charge.

Here are our dumping locations:

    * 1402 Nudgee Road, Nudgee
    * 360 Sherbrook Road, Willawong
    * 101 Upper Kedron Road, Ferny Grove
    * Tilley Road, Chandler (opposite the Sleeman Sports Complex)

Please avoid handling materials you suspect contains asbestos. Anyone who is unsure should leave the materials alone and contact council immediately on 3403 8888 to arrange safe removal. Do not put these materials into any bin or with items for kerbside collection. If possible, keep the materials wet and covered in plastic.

Transport

Naval divers have almost completed inspections on Brisbane's CityCat terminals. Though some terminals have suffered only minor damage, it's clear that repair works on the CityCat network will take some time. Council intends to have some level of service re-established within 90 days. In the interim, buses will continue to shuttle commuters from CityCat terminals.

Cleanup work on the Bicentennial Bikeway continues and Council anticipates it will be open again next week.

As a result of flooding more than 200 of Council's 878 sets of traffic lights were without power. 99% of these traffic lights are now back online. Work continues on the remainin few which have suffered extensive damage.

Electricity

Over the past eleven days Energex has restored power to over 250,000 Brisbane properties.

Three hundred properties are still without power. Please contact Energex directly on 13 62 62 if you need power restored.

If your property has been affected by flooding, please contact a licensed electrician to do a safety check before turning on the power. For flood-affected residents with gas connections, please do not use your gas appliances until they have been checked by a licensed gasfitter.

Recovery Centres

Recovery Centres have been set up across the city as a one-stop-shop for flood affected residents. Services available at these Centres include the processing of Centrelink and State Government payments, insurance advice, onsite banking and counselling services. Over 12,000 people have visited centres since they opened.

Centres are open from 8:30am and 5pm and are located at:

    * RNA Auditorium, Brown Level, Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
    * Indooroopilly Catholic Church Hall, Corner of Ward Street and Central Avenue, Indooroopilly
    * Yeronga State School Assembly Hall, 122 Park Road, Yeronga
    * St Aidan's Anglican Girls School, Cnr Kathleen Street and Aidan's Way, Corinda
    * St Mary' s Anglican Church (next to St Vincent's Hospital) 455 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
    * Jamboree Heights State School, 35 Beanland Street, Jamboree Heights
    * The Park Centre for Mental Health - Recreation Hall, Cnr Boyce Road and Ellerton Drive, Wacol
    * 11 Sussex Street (corner of Vulture Street), West End

Police

'Operation Safeguard', aimed at providing high-visibility police patrols in flood-affected areas, will continue for the next three weeks

Water

Council is offering a $100 rebate to cover the cost of water used by flood victims, which equates to about 50,000 litres of free water per flood-affected household. Please call Council's Contact Centre on 3403 8888 for more information.
Contacts and information sources

Energex: 13 19 62
State Emergency Services (SES): 13 25 00
Translink: 13 12 30
Flood information hotline: 1300 993 191
For life-threatening emergencies: 000

Phone Council on 3403 8888 to report issues outside your property boundary such as flooding, downed trees, potholes, stormwater drain blockages or debris blocking roadways.

Due to high demand, Brisbane City Council is currently displaying a low bandwidth version of their website. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

[justanotheruser]

Sad, Wivenhoe saved at least 2 metres off this one.  Probably saved a further 100,000 homes and businesses. 

Society is a sad mess.  Following the 1974 floods we (the community) just got on with the recovery and returning to life as we could.  Many are doing that now but sadly the vultures are circling.

the other difference between 74 and now is that lawyers are allowed to advertise. Back then they couldn't.  People often complain about how people are happy to sue these days but it usually is a case of people knowing their rights and also the no win no fee option available.

Before you say society is a bad mess remember in 1974 the standard practice for pedophiles was to sweep it all under the carpet and move the offender to a different location where they could abuse other kids or promote them to a job that would take them away from kids but put them in a position where they could easily cover for other pedophiles. Yep it was a sad society back then. Try not to look back on the "good ol days" with romantic memories. When people do that they always forget the bad things that were done.

[justanotheruser]

I am pleased to say that we are on top of the clean-up effort so far. From the massive volunteer effort last weekend, where we had over 23,000 people register through Brisbane City Council, to help the flood clean-up to this weekend where hundreds of people have adopted local parks to help clean them up.

and let us not forget those who volunteered without going through council. For example a friend of mine tried to volunteer through BCC but was turned away. Not to be put off he called me to see if he could help out at ipswich. I told him he could but I was at work cleaning up. He decided to help there along with others who just came along to help. We had several helpers who had been turned away from other places who were a great help and put in 11 hour days. Getting businesses up and running is important as many people are casual employees. Without the business operating the employees have no income and will struggle.  Mcdonalds (corporate) lost 4 stores. They have spread their managers around other shops as managers are on salary and have to be paid anyway. The rest who are casual it is just tough luck.

[justanotheruser]

Are very interesting article (well, perhaps I'm biased because it reflects my thinking): http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/far-too-much-water-left-in-the-dam/story-e6frg6zo-1225990589929
That desalination and recycling infrastructure has been mothballed immediately on commissioning is also a matter for further consideration. The region's water managers seem loath to integrate such facilities into the water grid and it will be interesting to understand why the Wivenhoe Dam supply level was maintained so high when all the risk signs indicated it should be reduced.

Is it the case that the fear of exorbitant costs of desalination and recycling have blinded the decision-makers to risks of managing Wivenhoe for predominantly flood mitigation, the reason it was built, as against a little water security?

they mothballed the recycling plants because they were not absolutely neccesary to use and they are very unpopular with the voters so the political decision was made to not use them.  Of course many people are ignorant and don't realise
a) we already have recycled water in our water supply
b) other countries have been doing it for ages with no problem at much higher levels yet ignorant folks claim they don't want to be the guinea pigs.

So the reaons given in the article for these plants not being used are not in line with reality

[ozbob]

We are all entitled to our opinions.  The difference being I was here in '74 and '11 floods and note the responses and differences.  In terms of volunteer efforts no difference.  There is a lot more government support now though, not necessarily a bad thing providing it goes to the right people.  A lot of evidence it is not though. I hope the authorities back track and verify the claims of individuals.

The kneejerk response now is legal action for most things.  The fact that individuals chose to live in flood prone areas escapes many.
Knowing rights and having some common-sense are not necessarily related IMHO.

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
23/01/2011

Queenslanders who can repair flood damage free to get on with the job

Premier Anna Bligh has urged flood-affected Queenslanders who are able to repair their homes to feel free to get to work without any restrictions from the State Government or the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Ms Bligh said Queenslanders in flood areas with homes which were able to undergo repairs - such as rewiring or re-sheeting - would face no intervention in getting on with the job.

However the Premier said those with houses that had sustained structural damage and needed to be rebuilt would need to work with their local council to obtain the necessary approvals before re-building could commence.

"If you have cleaned up the mess and want to start on the path of returning to normality by repairing your kitchen I would urge you to do so," Ms Bligh said.

"I want to assure all those Queenslanders who have sustained damage through this tragedy that there will be no restriction from the State Government in that type of work.

"Structural damage however is a different matter and if your home has sustained significant structural damage that will require significant rebuilding, you will need to approach your local council to go through the approval processes.

"This is about getting on with the job of getting Queenslanders back on track once the mud and the rubbish has cleared.

"This is about getting things back to normal and getting there as quickly as we possibly can.

"The Queensland Reconstruction Authority headed by Major General Mick Slater will not be interfering with those people who want to replace their damaged floorboards or walls or fix the balustrades on their balconies, so they can re-occupy their homes.

"The Authority is about the medium to long-term - those properties and infrastructure that as a result of flooding will need to be rebuilt."

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