Flood information - links

[somebody]

Ms Nolan said the decision had been made to not release water from the North Pine Dam as it would result in little flood mitigation benefit and isolate a community by threatening a critical bridge at Young's Crossing.

That's the strangest part.  If there is any significant rain the bridge will close anyway.  Surely the answer is to release slowly so the bridge doesn't close.

Seems that there is 25% reduction or no reduction, which seems to be a bit of a flaw in the policy.  A bigger flaw is that it is not clearly explained when and how the target can be raised.  1 April like this year misses nearly all the rain which might fill it up.  I'm glad that didn't happen in the 1999 flood.  <end rant>

[ozbob]

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

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

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

For people in parts of the
GOLD COAST CITY and
SCENIC RIM Council Areas.

Issued at 5:46 pm Sunday, 13 November 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:45 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Urbenville(NSW), the area south of the NSW border and the NSW border. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. They are forecast to affect Mount Barney, Rathdowney and Maroon Dam by 6:15 pm and Beaudesert, Laravale and Kooralbyn by 6:45 pm.

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

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* 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 6:45 pm.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for parts of the Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Southeast Coast districts.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Federal Government reform proposals offer common sense definition for flood cover

Federal Government reform proposals offer common sense definition for flood cover

   by: Anna Caldwell
   From: The Courier-Mail
   November 14, 2011 1:34PM

ALL Australians getting home and content insurance will be offered flood cover using a common sense definition of the word under reform proposals announced today by the Federal Government.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten said the Gillard Government would introduce the standard definition to make sure flood victims were treated the same across insurance providers.

"(This is) to ensure we don't have a repeat of what happened after last summer's floods, where people with insurance policies with one definition of flood received compensation while people living next door, with a  different policy and a different definition, received nothing at all," Mr Shorten said.

He said many victims of last summer's disaster season were "not even aware their insurance did not cover flood".

He said the Government would release draft regulations about the standard definition by the end of the year.

It is proposed to be:

Flood means the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of:  a)  any lake, or any river, creek or other natural watercourse, whether or not altered or modified; or b). any reservoir, canal, or dam.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Water restrictions to be eased

[ozbob]

Just for interest, so far this November (2011) has been the driest on record.

Early days, and may well deteriorate before the end of the month, but interesting none the less.

[ozbob]

Finance, Natural Resources and The Arts
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
18/11/2011

Wivenhoe releases to begin today

Releases from Wivenhoe Dam will begin this afternoon to reduce the Full Supply Level of the dam from 80 to 75 per cent.

Natural Resources Minister Rachel Nolan said approximately 57,000 mega litres of water will be released over a period of up to 7 days based on the most up to date weather predictions and modelling.

"As I announced over the weekend, I have made the decision to reduce Wivenhoe's Full Supply Level to prepare for the coming wet season," Ms Nolan said.

"This decision was made in accordance with recent amendments to the Water Act and based on advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, Seqwater, the Water Grid Manager, the Queensland Water Commission and the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

"In acknowledgement of these releases, we have eased water restrictions for South East Queensland residents up until midnight on November 27.

"While residents don't have to abide by the current restrictions during this time, they should be aware that they will still have to pay for water they use."

Minister Nolan said Seqwater is working with local councils to ensure the safety of nearby residents during the releases.

"Twin Bridges and Savages Crossing will be closed as a precautionary measure," Ms Nolan said.

"The releases should have no impact on Colleges Crossing or provide any noticeable change to water levels in the Brisbane River below Moggill."

ENDS


Gate operations can be viewed via the operational safety camera at www.watergrid.com.au.

Further information is also available at www.seqwater.com.au

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

[ozbob]

Just for interest, so far this November (2011) has been the driest on record.

Early days, and may well deteriorate before the end of the month, but interesting none the less.

Understand if no rain is recorded at the Kangaroo Point rain gauge by 9am tomorrow morning it will be the driest November spell on record since 1914 ...

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh
24/11/2011

QUEENSLAND FORGES AHEAD WITH IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS COMMISSION

The Queensland Labor Government continues to forge ahead with implementing recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry, Queensland Premier and Minister for Reconstruction Anna Bligh said today.

"My Department met with the Goondiwindi Regional Council this week to identify and prioritise cross-border issues facing the council,'' Ms Bligh said.

This meeting follows an historic Memorandum of Understanding signed last month by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell to strengthen cross-border arrangements and improve responses to natural disasters in both states.

"This MOU reinforces the relationship between the two States by including all Government services affected by cross-border issues. It covers the entire NSW-Queensland border," Ms Bligh said.

The MOU applies to areas such as health care, emergency services, and transport and includes policing, social services, primary industries, water, emergency management and response.

"My department, accompanied by the Queensland Department of Community Safety, met with Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Cr. Graeme Scheu on 18 October to begin the process of local government consultation necessary for this MOU to be truly effective," Ms Bligh said

"The kinds of issues discussed on 19 October included dual permitting and licensing, recognition in one jurisdiction of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training undertaken in the other, post-hospital care (including patient transport), and the apprehension of offenders by police.

"We have followed up that initial meeting with further consultations in Goondiwindi today between my department and Cr. Scheu and his team. The aim is to continue the focus on cross-border collaboration.

"We want to strengthen arrangements between States and resolve issues that can arise for border communities. We want to better plan cross-border services," Ms Bligh said.

"We have been working to identify key areas of focus for cross-border collaboration.

"Today's meeting was extremely positive and fruitful. Discussions centred on key issues for the region such as provision of and access to appropriate health services, cross-border collaboration on policing, education and training, as well as business licensing.

"I thank Cr Scheu and his team for being so proactive in helping to organise today's meeting and for gathering information from his and adjoining council areas,'' Ms Bligh said.

While NSW has been awaiting the appointment of a Cross Border Commissioner before beginning substantive discussions with councils, Queensland has been getting on with the job of meeting with councils.

More consultation is planned with key councils, including Balonne, Paroo, Bulloo, the Southern Downs Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council and the Gold Coast.

"All of Queensland's local border governments will play an important role in making this MoU a success," Ms Bligh said.

"This MOU clearly acknowledges the important role local governments play in identifying and addressing cross-border issues."

Ms Bligh said the interim report of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry, released August 1, recommended the Queensland Government work with its NSW counterparts, and councils, to set up procedures for co-ordinating emergency responses on the Queensland-NSW border.

"For example, the Commission of Inquiry recommended that Queensland work with NSW to co-ordinate road condition reporting to better inform local councils and road users,'' Ms Bligh said.

"During the January floods, many travellers were stranded on either side of the border because they did not known the roads were cut - this had a huge impact on families and businesses.

"We are also looking at issues like the use of Government Air Wings for personnel, transport and freight into and out of flooded areas,'' Ms Bligh said.

The MOU continues a long history of cross border collaboration between Queensland and NSW to deal with the unique living and working arrangements of people living close to the border.

It formalises cooperation on strategic growth issues in key population centres as well as advancing policy development and service delivery in cross-border regions.

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh
27/11/2011

Public servant charged with fraud of disaster fund

A Queensland public servant has been charged with 15 counts of fraud and forgery of the Premier's Disaster Relief fund.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said she had been advised that the employee was currently employed through DEEDI and on leave.

"The Director-General of DEEDI is taking advice in relation to his employment under the Public Service Act,'' Ms Bligh said.

"I am advised these charges stem from allegedly fraudulent applications this year under the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal for amounts totaling more than $90,000 and relating to claims for damages and repairs to property.

"Thousands of people, as well as organizations and businesses generously donated this money in the belief it would go directly to assist those who had lost everything.

"That's why we put rigorous checks and balances in place to ensure these generous donations went to those who needed it most.

"It was through those checks and balances that these charges arose, with close scrutiny given to each application by our independents assessors with technical expertise.

"A multiagency response between the Queensland Police Service, Department of Communities, Department of Employment, Development and Innovation, Department of Local Government and Planning and the Department of Public Works resulted in these charges.

Ms Bligh said that if the charges were proven to be true it would be a an appalling act - however the matters were yet to be tested before the courts.

"The charges are a strong reminder to anyone who thinks these types of funds are a soft target, that any attempt at fraud will be investigated and charges will be laid.

"Disasters, as we saw last summer, can bring out the best in people but, sadly, they can also bring out the worst.

"That's why it was so important to have rigorous criteria in place to protect the fund from attempts at fraud and ensure the money went to Queenslanders who needed it the most.

Ms Bligh said the fund had helped more than 40,000 Queenslanders rebuild their homes and their lives.

"This was the second largest appeal in Australia's history, with the balance reaching more than $277 million and was distributed to those most in need faster than any other.

"I want to reassure all donors that their money has made the world of difference to thousands of Queenslanders.''

[ozbob]

Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
28/11/2011

EXERCISE TO PREPARE DISASTER MANAGERS FOR WET SEASON AHEAD

An extreme weather exercise to be undertaken this week will provide state and local government agencies in the South East corner with an opportunity to hone their skills in preparation for whatever weather events may eventuate during the summer storm season.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the exercise, codenamed 'Nugent's', would be conducted from November 30 to December 2 and would be based on a hypothetical flooding and extreme weather event occurring across South East Queensland.

Mr Roberts said the exercise would be coordinated by Emergency Management Queensland and would involve representatives from disaster districts and local councils, and focus particularly on the pressures involved in managing information in coordination centres.

"Queensland has a strong disaster management system with experienced and dedicated officers from a range of agencies working together to protect the community in times of natural disasters," Mr Roberts said.

"The bedrock of our disaster management system is local government, with a range of State and Federal government and non-government agencies working within the system to provide support and assistance when required.

"These agencies spend months preparing for the summer storm season, and this preparation involves hypothetical exercises to test systems and capabilities in anticipation of a natural disaster impacting the state.

"Exercise Nugent's is the second pre-season exercise to be undertaken in the lead-up to the 2011/12 storm season. An exercise was undertaken in August to fully load test the State Disaster Coordination Centre systems and processes using a Cyclone based scenario."

Mr Roberts said participants would work through key considerations, drawing upon the concepts and principles of disaster management to respond to the impact of the event.

"This exercise will further test our capabilities and ensure we are as ready as we can be for whatever Mother Nature throws at us," Mr Roberts said.

Exercise Nugent's is funded by the Queensland Climate Change Fund and is a key initiative under ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland, the Government's $196 million strategy to address climate change.

The exercise will assist in preparing agencies for the expected increase in extreme weather events as a result of climate change.

[ozbob]

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

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

For people in the Central West, Maranoa and Warrego and parts of the Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Northwest, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Channel Country and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:41 pm Wednesday, 30 November 2011.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Maranoa and Warrego and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Channel Country and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Roma, Charleville, Cunnamulla, St George, Windorah and Isisford.

More  ..  http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html

[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 BRISBANE CITY, MORETON BAY, IPSWICH CITY, SUNSHINE COAST and SOMERSET Council Areas.

Issued at 2:39 pm Thursday, 1 December 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:25 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Ipswich, Woodford and Mount Mee. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Caboolture, Lake Manchester and Mount Beerwah by 2:55 pm and northern Bribie Island, Beerwah and Peachester by 3:25 pm.

Very heavy rainfall and flash flooding are likely.

50mm of rain has been recorded near Ipswich in the last hour.

[Golliwog]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1322714449

Rosewood-Ipswich trains delayed

Trains services have resumed on the Ipswich/Rosewood line after recent track flooding, but there will be residual delays of up to 20 minutes as services to return to normal.
Affected Services

    Ipswich Rosewood line

[ozbob]

Just managed to make train at Landsborough, the 615 bus caught in very heavy rain.  The traffic around Sippy Downs was bad as well.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20032.txt

IDQ20032
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland


TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Heavy Rainfall leading to Flash Flooding
For people in the northern Channel Country, northern Maranoa and Warrego,
Central West, Central Highlands and Coalfields, southeastern Northern Goldfields
and Upper Flinders, Central Coast and Whitsundays, and Herbert and Lower
Burdekin districts.
Issued at 5:00 am on Monday 5 December 2011

Synoptic Situation: At 5am Monday, an upper trough was located west of the
Queensland border. This upper trough is expected to move east over Queensland
during the next few days and will combine with a surface trough over western
Queensland to produce thunderstorms and heavy rain over the interior during the
next 24 hours.

24 hour rainfall totals in excess of 100mm and localised flash flooding are
possible. Locations that may be affected include Hughenden, Boulia, Windorah,
Longreach, Winton, Richmond, and Charleville.

During Monday a coastal trough is expected to develop near the northern Central
Coast. Thunderstorms and rain areas with localised heavy falls and possible
flash flooding are expected to develop in this area today. Locations that may be
affected include Bowen, Mackay, and Townsville.

Flood Warnings are current for the Moonie and Paroo Rivers; refer to
www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 11am Monday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's
website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Emergency
Management Queensland would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

[ozbob]

Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure
The Honourable Craig Wallace
08/12/2011

Wet weather: find out what you need to know before you go

With wet weather setting in across the state, motorists are urged to check conditions and road closures before travelling, Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace has urged.

Mr Wallace said the last couple of years had delivered severe wet weather, and even in the last couple of days significant rainfalls had been recorded.

"It's timely to remind motorists to plan their journey in advance to avoid any hazards," Mr Wallace said.

"Queensland experiences extreme weather and it's essential to plan ahead," Mr Wallace said.

"The easiest way to find out what you need to know before you hit the road is through our website - www.131940.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40.

"While we are in the wet season, motorists should be prepared to change travel plans without much notice, after all, it's better to be safe than sorry.

"For example, at the moment the Kennedy Developmental Road around Hughenden is open only to four-wheel drives as it's boggy and rutted, due to the rain.

"The Landsborough Highway at Barcaldine is open but drivers are urged to be careful because of the possibility of flash flooding."

Mr Wallace said the floods and cyclones earlier this year had led to an unprecedented number of roadwork sites across the state, which motorists needed to take into consideration when planning their holiday drives.

"There are 80 packages of rebuilding works on Queensland roads right now and on the Bruce Highway alone there are currently 32 separate works projects. Disruptions to traffic are inevitable with all this activity going on," he said.

"If I can ask for one thing ... it's that all Queenslanders stay safe on our roads.

"Transport and Main Roads will work hard over the wet season to ensure all traffic information is updated as soon as it becomes available.

"I urge drivers to adapt their behaviour to suit the conditions."

For the latest traffic information across Queensland, including road closures and detours, go to www.131940.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DESTRUCTIVE WIND, FLASH FLOODING and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Northwest and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:37 pm Sunday, 11 December 2011.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Gulf Country district. Locations which may be affected include Mornington Island and Westmoreland Station.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce destructive winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Central Highlands and Coalfields district. Locations which may be affected include Emerald and Clermont.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones over the remaining parts of the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Maroochydore, Roma, Gympie, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Longreach, Rockhampton, Winton, Mackay, Proserpine, Charters Towers, Bowen, Kingaroy and Stanthorpe.

[ozbob]

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

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

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

For people in parts of the
GOLD COAST CITY and
SCENIC RIM Council Areas.

Issued at 12:34 pm Tuesday, 27 December 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 12:30 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the area south of the NSW border.

These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast.

They are forecast to affect Border Ranges National Park by 1:00 pm and the McPherson Range and Lamington National Park by 1:30 pm.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

[ozbob]

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

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

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

For people in the REDLAND CITY, North Stradbroke Island and parts of the GOLD COAST CITY, LOGAN CITY and SCENIC RIM Council Areas.

Issued at 3:42 pm Tuesday, 27 December 2011.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:50 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near southern Moreton Island.

These thunderstorms are moving towards the north to northeast.

They are forecast to affect Beenleigh, northern Moreton Island and Cape Moreton by 4:20 pm and Peel Island, Point Lookout and Amity Point by 4:50 pm.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Queensland dam 'not at fault' for floods

Queensland dam 'not at fault' for floods

    by: By Larine Statham
    From: AAP
    January 08, 2012 1:39PM

AS southeast Queensland prepares to commemorate the first anniversary of its floods, a water expert has defended the decision by authorities not to draw down Wivenhoe Dam ahead of heavy rainfall and the flood that inundated much of Brisbane.

Jon Olley, deputy director of Griffith University's Australian Rivers Institute, said it was easy to argue, in hindsight, that authorities could have reduced the flooding by partially emptying the dam in the weeks before the deluge.

''(But Wivenhoe Dam) is operated to meet our water supply needs as well as mitigate floods, and the memory of drought and water shortages is still fresh,'' he said.

Operators of Wivenhoe Dam, and the state government, have been criticised for failing to release water from the dam before heavy rain hit the area last January.

Many Queenslanders blame the dam for the scale of the damage in Ipswich and Brisbane, in the flood that followed the heavy rain and flash flooding in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley.

But last month the government said an independent study by engineering consultancy GHD, which was ordered by the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry, was proof that lower water levels or a higher dam wall would have made minimal difference in January.

Mr Olley agreed.

"There is little doubt that the flood outcome for Brisbane would have been much worse without Wivenhoe Dam,'' he said in a statement.

As debate on the floods continues ahead of the anniversary, Mr Olley said it was important Queensland didn't lose sight of the environmental costs of proposed management responses.

"In future we could take a more risk-averse approach to flooding but we would also need to accept the associated financial and environmental costs of an increased dependence on desalination and recycling,'' he said.

While authorities, politicians and experts debate whether the Wivenhoe Dam wall should be raised or whether the "flood buffer'' level should be lowered, Mr Olley said it was ``simply not possible to flood-proof against all extreme weather events''.

Commemoration events will be held in Toowoomba, Grantham and Ipswich this week to mark the anniversary.
Of the 35 people who died when more than 70 per cent of the state flooded last summer, 22 died in the state's southeast.

Three people from southeast Queensland remain missing.

The commission, in its interim report in August, recommended Wivenhoe Dam be drawn down to 75 per cent when weather worse than, or equal to, last year's is forecast.

The commission is due to deliver its final report in February.

[#Metro]

Um, yeah, floods happened before the dam was built and after the dam was built also... kinda suggests that the cause was not the dam, ya?

[Mr X]

The dam did apparently stop the flood matching levels seen in the great floods of 1893 and 1841 though

[somebody]

The dam did apparently stop the flood matching levels seen in the great floods of 1893 and 1841 though

More 1893.  No way that the 2011 matched the superlatives of 1841.

[ozbob]

As we approach the 1 year anniversary of the 2011 floods, this thread gives an interesting account of how the floods developed from the 11th Jan 2011 and public transport impacts.

--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5234.0

[Mr X]

Can't believe tomorrow marks 52 weeks since that wall of water went through Toowoomba! Seems just like yesterday that it happened.

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh
09/01/2012

Queensland marks first anniversary of floods

Premier Anna Bligh will this week visit communities hardest hit by last year's January floods to remember victims of the disaster and show support for families who lost loved ones and property.

Ms Bligh will visit Toowoomba today, the Lockyer Valley and Grantham tomorrow, Ipswich on Wednesday and Brisbane on Thursday to attend a series of community events commemorating the floods and to thank those involved in the recovery effort of the past 12 months.

"Queenslanders will never forget the loss and devastation caused by the floods of January 2011," Ms Bligh said.

"It has been a long road to recovery for so many people whose lives were turned upside down by the one of the biggest natural disasters our state has ever seen.

"This week we will remember all of those who lost their lives and pay tribute to the remarkable fighting spirit of many Queenslanders who have overcome this tragedy to piece their lives back together.

"Over the past 12 months the recovery and reconstruction effort has brought out the best in our community.

"We got knocked down. But in getting back up again Queenslanders inspired each other, our nation and the world."

The Premier will be accompanied by the Chair of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Major-General Richard Wilson AO. Her Toowoomba itinerary today will include:

        ·Meeting with business owners and emergency services personnel in the town;

        ·A visit to the Salvation Army's Moneycare financial support service in Toowoomba; and

        ·The unveiling of the Stone of Hope memorial hosted by Toowoomba Regional Council at 7pm.

"The people of Toowoomba were hit hard by the floods. On every visit I have always been inspired by the many examples of courage and resilience," Ms Bligh said.

"That they begin 2012 with much of the recovery and reconstruction behind them is testament to their strong community spirit."

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

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh
10/01/2012

Lockyer Valley and Grantham communities pause to remember and reflect

Premier Anna Bligh will today join the Lockyer Valley and Grantham communities to mark the anniversary of the day flood waters ravaged the tiny communities.

The day will begin with a dawn service to unveil a memorial to the 12 locals who lost their lives that devastating day.

"Those terrifying images of the flood waters raging through the Lockyer Valley and Grantham will forever be a part of the Queensland consciousness," Ms Bligh said.

"As will those extraordinary images and tales of heroism and courage, that have emerged since.

"This year has been one of the most painful in living memory for these tiny communities, and I am pleased to be here to remember all of those who lost their lives and pay tribute to the remarkable fighting spirit of the people of the Lockyer Valley and Grantham who have overcome such enormous tragedy.

The Premier will be accompanied by the Chair of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Major-General Richard Wilson AO. Her Lockyer Valley and Grantham itinerary today will include:

+ Dawn service at 4am at Grantham and unveiling of the Grantham memorial;

+ Lockyer Valley First Anniversary Commemorative Service in Gatton at 9.30am;

+ Service of Thanksgiving for the Grantham Community at 4pm;

Unveiling ceremony for the Postman's Ridge Memorial at 5.30pm;

Memorial Service for the Murphy's Creek Community at 7pm.

"Whilst today will be somber as we remember those we have lost, it will also be an opportunity to pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and resilience of these communities who have so bravely rebuilt their lives," Ms Bligh said.

"It is wonderful that they begin 2012 united as such a strong community."

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

[ozbob]

Queensland Flooding 2010-2011   Queensland Rail

Even as heavy rain battered the state for most of December, Queenslanders were unprepared for the enormity of the events about to unfold.

By the end of the flood disaster, 75% of the state would be declared a natural disaster zone, thousands of homes would be damaged or destroyed and more than 20 people would lose their lives.

This video was put together to give viewers an insight into the size and scale of the floods that have wreaked havoc on two-thirds of the state since Christmas.

Our people worked tirelessly around the state, clearing debris and repairing our infrastructure in order to return our vital rail services as quickly as possible.

Services on the North Coast line between Gladstone and Mackay were finally restored on Wednesday 19 January after being cut for nearly a month.

As the clean-up continues, we can all be proud that even though Queensland has been devastated by flooding, this disaster has not dampened our compassionate and generous spirit.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Thagoona flooding blamed on railway

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for Reconstruction
The Honourable Anna Bligh
11/01/2012

Ipswich remembers the floods a year on

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh will today join Ipswich residents to mark the anniversary of the day the Bremer River broke its banks, inundating the city.

The day will begin with the unveiling of the Historic Flood Marker at Alf Harris Park in Goodna at 10am.

"Fittingly called 'The Pillar of Courage', it represents exactly what the people of Goodna have been, both during the devastation and in the reconstruction of their community," Ms Bligh said.

"Goodna was one of the worst hit areas, with more than 450 properties affected and many of those submerged above the roofline.

"As Queensland mourned, the recovery effort quickly mobilised as the army, followed by a mud army of volunteers, marched in to help.

"In true Queensland spirit, work began almost immediately to clean up."

This evening the Premier will unveil the "City of Courage" commemorative plaque and stone at Riverheart Parklands, Woodend.

"The stone recognises the strength and resilience shown by the people of Ipswich," Ms Bligh said.

"As we remember the day the flood waters tore a devastating path through the Ipswich community, sweeping homes and livelihoods away with them, we also recognise the strength and fragility, the bravery and the resilience of the people of Ipswich.

"More than 2,700 buildings were directly affected in the Ipswich area and repair work has commenced or been completed on almost 90 per cent.

"From the outset the community banded together to help family, friends, neighbours and strangers.

"While we know that for many people the memories of 12 months ago will still be raw, out of the devastation has risen an enormous community strength and spirit.
"It is wonderful to see the Ipswich community begin 2012 united and strong."

[Mr X]

All this hoo har about a year since the floods annoys me a bit. Sure, the mountain of mud that caked all the roads and parks is gone, infrastructure is back open and things have returned to normal, but there are still people out there who haven't moved back into their homes and are still struggling to rebuild. Look at how quick the media circus flocked into Brisbane from the southern states the moment that the "arrival of the great flood" became known, went for all the best vantage points and happily had continuous coverage of the floods and got all their glory out of other people's misery. That's all gone now and a lot of the people impacted are still out of normality, this wasn't fun and games for them.

Anna Bligh can harp on about how we've "recovered", which is true to an extent, but for a lot of people it will never be the same.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Ipswich flood tribute unveiled

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> PM pays tribute to Goodna

[ozbob]

The 'pillar of courage '..   no one is really sure about the flood heights ..

I suggest that a year together with the sentiment would be cool ..

By my reckoning, the top is 1841, next 1893, next 1974, next 2011. 1955 seems to have been forgotten.



Photograph R Dow 12th January 2012

[Mr X]

I haven't watched the news, but what's the structure being erected for Brisbane?

[ozbob]

I haven't watched the news, but what's the structure being erected for Brisbane?

Ask Quirky?   

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20032.txt

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Damaging Winds,  Heavy Rainfall and Dangerous Surf
For people on the coast and islands of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast
Coast districts.
Issued at 5:10 am on Tuesday 17 January 2012

Synoptic Situation: At 4 am Tuesday AEST, a surface low was located off the Wide
Bay coast, near Seventeen Seventy. This surface low is expected to move in a
general southerly direction during the day.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 100km/h, are possible about the Wide
Bay coast and islands this morning, developing about coastal areas and adjacent
higher ground in the Southeast Coast district during the afternoon. Locations
which may be affected include Bundaberg, Fraser Island, the Sunshine Coast,
Moreton Bay Islands and the Gold Coast.

Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is forecast to develop this
morning around coastal areas between Bundaberg and Brisbane. 24 hour totals in
excess of 150mm are possible. Locations which may be affected include Hervey
Bay, Maryborough, Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast. 

Dangerous surf conditions are possible from this afternoon about the exposed
coast south of Sandy Cape. Locations which may be affected include Fraser
Island, the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay Islands and the Gold Coast.

A Flood Warning has been issued for coastal rivers and streams from Noosa to
Caboolture and adjacent inland catchments.

[somebody]

Article in the Australian:

What the floods inquiry didn't hear: Wivenhoe 'breached the manual'

    by: Hedley Thomas
    From: The Australian
    January 23, 2012 12:00AM

A RAFT of official internal documents produced by senior public servants during Brisbane's devastating flood in January last year show the Wivenhoe Dam was mismanaged in a serious breach of its manual for two crucial days.

An investigation by The Australian also shows that, after the flood, dam operator SEQWater adopted a different position about its actions, inconsistent with its own comprehensive documentary evidence of the dam's management.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/what-the-floods-inquiry-didnt-hear-wivenhoe-breached-the-manual/story-fn59niix-1226250814487

Unfortunately the full article is behind a pay wall.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Dam operator dismisses damning report

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20032.txt

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for Heavy Rain
For people in parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and Darling
Downs and Granite Belt districts for Tuesday.
Issued at 5:05 pm on Monday 23 January 2012

Synoptic Situation: At 4pm AEST, an upper level trough extended over the
interior of Queensland. This upper trough is expected to remain slow moving and
intensify during Tuesday. A surface trough is expected to develop near the
southern Queensland coast early Tuesday, extending a moist northeasterly wind
flow into southeast districts.   

Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is expected through areas southeast
of about Bundaberg to Goondiwindi on Tuesday, initially developing on the coast
and spreading inland during the day. 24 hour totals in excess of 150 mm are
possible. Locations which may be affected include Hervey Bay, Gympie, Toowoomba,
the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast.

A Flood Warning is current for coastal rivers and streams from Rainbow Beach to
Redcliffe and adjacent inland catchments.