A major weather event has well and truly consumed our community, our Council and our emergency services over the past week.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our community for their resilience, their support and their compassion. We have seen the best of people. I especially want to thank our emergency services. Qld Police, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) agencies. Truly, these men and women are the reason we have suffered no loss of life or serious injury and, on behalf of our community, I say a huge thank you to them for their bravery, their courage and their support. We are lucky to have the best of the best working in and for our community.
I’d also like to acknowledge and thank our Council team, especially our Disaster Management team and Communications team. They have gone above and beyond, working throughout weekends and evenings to keep us all safe. Thank you.
As some background, our Local Disaster Management Group, which I chair was stood up on Wednesday 23 February, and all our emergency services were activated.
Between midnight Thursday 24 February and Monday 28 February, QPS Sunshine Coast District actioned more than 1030 jobs. About 380 of those were within Noosa Shire or adjoining areas. A remarkable feat for all involved to keep our community safe.
Senior Sergeant Ben Carroll, Officer in Charge of Noosa Heads Police Station, advises all of those jobs were finalised, with everyone accounted for and, as yet, no reports of death or serious injury within Noosa Shire. Qld Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) reported that over 30 swift water flood rescues were undertaken, and the SES had over 230 call outs.
Noosa River flooding peaked at 1.62m at the high tide which was just under major flood levels which would occur at the 1.7 metre level. These heightened flood levels caused minor inundation within the lower areas of Noosaville and Tewantin with sandbagging providing further support to affected residents. Damage assessments are underway as the clean-up begins. This process can take some time so please rest assured our staff are out and about. If you have any concerns about damage to public infrastructure, you can let us know using the Snap Send Solve smartphone app.
Queensland Police continue to work with emergency services and council staff to make sure people that have been impacted, are safe and accounted for. Please check in on your neighbours, family and friends to ensure everyone is okay. If you identify any issues, please ring Noosa Council or QPS and we will attend to check on their welfare.
As the flood waters subside the focus turns to recovery. Council is working through a number of options to assist with waste removal in the hardest hit areas. Where possible and safe to do so, kerbside wheelie bin collections are continuing across the shire. If items are small and can be placed into your general waste bin, then you should do so. If items are large or bulky, they can be taken directly to Eumundi Rd landfill or a private contractor called to do this for you. For those people with insurance, please contact your insurance company for advice as generally waste disposal of flood damaged items will be covered under your policy if you have flood/storm cover. If you have been severely impacted by the floods, please contact council’s customer service centre to see whether additional assistance is required such as large on-site bins. People facing significant financial hardship will be assisted on a case-by-case basis.
Council’s environmental health officers are hitting the streets shortly to help businesses with food safety advice to help them get back on their feet after the clean-up. The good news is that the Federal and State Governments have announced disaster funding for Australian and Qld residents who have been seriously affected by the floods in SEQld Local Government Areas including Noosa. There is an application process through Services Australia. For more information, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/south-east-queensland-floods-february-2022-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment
On behalf of the Council and all Councillors, I thank you once again for your patience, your support, your resilience and your understanding. Stay safe and take care. Until next month, Clare.
