FLOODING: Focus shifts from disaster to recovery

CREWS in Maryborough have shifted their focus from disaster management to recovery.

The Maryborough Aquatic Centre was flooded for the second time in six weeks. The centre is one of the many facilities where mop up operations are underway. PHOTO: Shaun Ryan.

That is the word from Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour.

Cr Seymour and Deputy Mayor Darren Everard addressed the media in the Heritage City this morning.

Floodwaters from the Mary River peaked at around 10.3m on Monday night.

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As floodwaters continue to recede, river levels are expected to drop below the minor flood level of 5m this evening.

Cr Seymour said safety and human life remains the priority.

He said roads and other important infrastructure would only be reopened or reconnected when safe to do so.

“We don’t want power put back on at your premises if its dangerous. We don’t want a bridge reopened if it’s dangerous and we don’t want a road reopened if it’s dangerous,” Cr Seymour said.

“We want to get through this flood as safely as possible. People have died in Queensland as a result of this weather event.”

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The mayor said he had been briefed by the Bureau of Meteorology about the possibility of more rain in the coming days.

However, he said more large-scale flooding was unlikely.

Cr Seymour said any rain that might fall could lead to localized flooding. Pumps would remain in the CBD should they be required.

Meanwhile, Cr Everard urged people to wear the necessary protective gear when cleaning up their homes.

“We are still asking people to stay out of the impacted areas so machinery can access them and clean up,” he said.

“There’s also no need to be out there just having a look. We need to show homeowners and businessowners affected by the floods some respect.”

Cr Everard said crews are currently focusing on cleaning up the CBD area and will then move into outlying areas.

“The flood levee worked really well, so our cleanup time in the CBD won’t be as long – meaning crews will be able to get into outlying areas much quicker,” he said.

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The main message from Cr Everard was for people to remain patient and to allow recovery crews to do their work.

Should you need assistance, you can call the SES on 132 500.