The state government has pledged a million dollars to kickstart cleanup operations in what some predict will be the most damaging cyclone ever for Scenic Rim Regional Council.
Local Government Disaster Management Group Chair Steve Moriarty said that would be the worst case scenario.
“There were a couple of different models presented but by the information we got today, if we get the 800 to 1,000 millimetres of rain, which is the maximum they’re saying we potentially could get, it could be a big flood,” he said.
“Or it could be bigger, up there with Tropical Cyclone Debbie and Tropical Cyclone Oswald. We’re absolutely hoping that’s not the case, of course.”
Cr Moriarty said about 190 properties in areas including Beaudesert, Canungra and Harrisville had been tagged as being in the firing line.
“The Queensland Police Service is contacted those properties now either by phone, text, email, door knocking, any means possible,” he said.
“They’re just doing that to give people the option to evacuate voluntarily. Really people need to make a decision whether they want to stay at home, ride it out and take their chances.
“Our preference is they go to family and friends in a safer location. If that’s not possible we’ll find either a place of refuge or some other accommodation for them but my understanding is that most people are opting to stay in place.”
Cr Moriarty said they wanted to make people aware of the situation.
“We don’t want to be in a position where we get heavy rain overnight into tomorrow morning and people are actually stuck where they are and can’t get out if they wanted to,” he said.
Cr Moriarty said there were a number of flood boats on standby in strategic locations across the region.
Explaining why Boonah was not included on the list of places of refuge, Cr Moriarty said only those towns considered at higher risk were included.
“So in the west, Harrisville was clearly identified as the most at risk community,” he said.
“From the information I’ve been given I don’t believe Boonah itself is at major risk.”
Cr Moriarty said the place of refuge normally nominated for Beaudesert was at the showgrounds but there was some concern about providing shelter to people living at the caravan park.
‘I believe the Baptist church has a very good facility and it was offered. That offer was accepted I think because it’s in a flood-free zone and has everything needed for a comfortable place of refuge.”
Cr Moriarty said Council expected the clean up after Cyclone Alfred and its aftermath would be a challenge.
“I’m expecting a massive cleanup and the State Government has already given up a million dollars to get that underway,” he said.
“Because we’re likely to be quite heavily impacted by flooding, to have a ready access to recovery funds will ensure we can get back to business as usual as quickly as possible after the event.”
Cr Moriarty said he had spoken to Mayor Sharp, who was on an international flight on his way home.
“He’ll be back as soon as he can but it’s all subject to being able to get into Brisbane and back to the Scenic Rim so it could be a few days,” he said.
“But I did speak to him earlier today and he’s obviously very concerned but also comfortable that everything’s being done in his absence to make sure everyone’s kept safe. He’s wishing he was able to be here to support the community but he will be back in the country as soon as possible and stepping straight into helping with the recovery.”
