Restoring Rockhampton after flooding

The Fitzroy River Flood Warning was finalised yesterday morning as waters receded below flood levels.

Locals affected by the flood continue to clean their homes and businesses with the help of local and state organisations.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) public information officer, Charlie Fenton, said there were 130 boots on the ground in Rockhampton aiding clean-up efforts.

“The number of QFES appliance have increased due to a lot of strike teams going home,” he said.

“We still have a good local capability, with local Fire and Rescue, SES and Rural Fire Service insuring the safety and clean up efforts continue.”

QFES volunteers have already cleaned 140 homes and currently following up 98 more.

“We are just catching up on people that we have missed due to vacant properties or dogs in yards,” Mr Fenton said.

“Works are continuing and there will be QFES out in the public and we just tell people to stay safe.

“There are still biological hazards and we don’t want people to sustain injuries because of that.

“If someone needs assistance give the Rockhampton Regional Council a call on 1300 652 659.”

Rockhampton Airport will reopen on Thursday, beginning with daytime flights before returning to its normal flight schedule in the next two weeks.

Airlines have been made aware of our reopening plan and all travellers are encouraged to stay in touch with their airline for the latest information. 

Bus Transfers between Rockhampton and Gladstone will continue to run until Friday, April 14 with a revised schedule to be released soon from the April 15 onwards.

Rockhampton Regional Council is advising residents and visitors that some playgrounds are closed as a result of flood damage.

The playgrounds include: Rigarlsford Park, Ski Gardens (both playgrounds), Allan Bray Park, Bartlem Oval, Victoria Park / Huish Drive and Curtis Park.

Damage to the sand softfill from both the flood and increased rain needs to be replaced and Council will be begin replenishing it after the Easter break.

Irrigation will also be turned on in parks as part of the cleaning and recovery for turf and gardens after a flooding event.

The North Coast line re-opened to rail traffic last night, following around the clock works over the last two weeks to inspect, repair and test the line.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport, Jackie Trad, said it was positive to see freight and passenger services moving again.

“This is Queensland’s principal freight line, transporting everything from containerised and industrial freight, minerals, livestock to bulk commodities like sugar and grain," Ms Trad said.

"So it’s extremely positive for economies across the state that we have freight services moving again.

“I want to thank the Queensland Rail crews who worked day and night, often in challenging conditions, to inspect and repair the line.

“Over the last fortnight, more than 100 people worked tirelessly to repair significant damage and inspect about 1,700 kilometres of track, to ensure safety before services could resume.

“These crews repaired more than 116 washouts on the line, which involved completely rebuilding the foundations and relaying the track in the affected areas.

“The signalling and infrastructure at 67 level crossings had to be tested, and six level crossings required a total re-build.

“Over the last few days, the flood waters in Rockhampton have receded, finally allowing access to what was the last remaining section of closed track, where final repairs were completed today.”

Ms Trad urged motorists to be vigilant at railway level crossings, which had been affected by the severe weather but are now operating normally.

“Throughout the last two weeks, damage to level crossings meant the flashing warning lights were displayed fairly consistently,” Ms Trad said.

“The level crossings along the line have now all been tested, repaired and are operating how they should, so especially now that rail services have resumed, I urge motorists to be vigilant and obey the signs and signals.”

Rockhampton residents directly affected by the Fitzroy flood event are being reminded a number of financial assistance schemes are available and closing shortly.

Through the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, grants are available including;

·        Immediate Hardship Assistance - This grant is for immediate essential items, including food, clothing, medical supplies or temporary accommodation and payments are $180 for a single person or up to $900 for a family of 5 or more.

·        Immediate Hardship Assistance (essential services) - This grant is available to individuals who are directly impacted by the loss of one or more essential services (e.g. electricity, gas, water or sewerage) for more than 5 days and because of this are suffering hardship and are unable to provide for their own recovery. Payments are $150 for a single person or up to $750 for a family of 5 or more.

·        Essential Household Contents Grant - This income tested grant helps people who are uninsured or unable to claim insurance, with a contribution for repairs and essential household contents. Payments are up to $1765 for a single person or up to $5300 for a couple or family.

·        Structural Assistance Grant - This income tested grant helps eligible uninsured homeowners repair their homes from any disaster sustained damages. Payments are up to $10,995 for a single person or up to $14,685 for a couple or family.

·        Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme - This scheme provides assistance to homeowners to reconnect essential services (e.g. electricity, gas, water or sewerage) and repair damaged service items. The scheme covers up to 4 essential service reconnections at a maximum of $200 each. Repairs made to those service items are up to a maximum total of $4200.