Mayor praises community-minded approach
Mayor praises community-minded approach following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Tanya Milligan, has praised residents for the calm and community-minded approach they adopted during, and in the week following last Thursday's weather event.
Despite close to 200mm of rain being officially recorded across the Lockyer and creeks running at flood levels, Council received no reports of major inundation of homes or shops, nor were any rescues required.
Council's Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) was operational throughout Thursday night, with a team constantly monitoring Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) rainfall and river gauges and using a network of local people on the ground to verify creek levels.
The combination of BOM forecasting, eyes on the ground' and a computer-based flood model system allowed Council to provide remarkably accurate local predictions on likely flooding, particularly in Laidley, Forest Hill and downstream, Mayor Milligan said.
While building inundation was low, Council is aware flood waters and run-off did enter a number of yards and properties and left some people with a need to clean-up.
Disasters, including floods are usually when the community pulls together to help those less fortunate and I encourage willing volunteers with a ute or trailer to offer their assistance to those who may need it to clean up.
I commend those residents who responded so quickly on Friday morning to assist businesses in Laidley that were in need of help, she said.
Council is waiving landfill fees at both the Gatton and Laidley landfill until Sunday 9 April for flood-related debris.
All residents and volunteers are reminded to take precautions to minimise potential health risks from flood water, including wearing gloves, long-sleeves, water-proof boots and regularly washing hands with an anti-bacterial hand wash. More information is available at https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/cleaning-up/
Anyone still needing assistance to clean up their flood-affected property is encouraged to make contact with local community groups urgently while the landfill fee waiver remains.
For more information contact Council on 1300 005 872 or visit www.lvrc.qld.gov.au
