Far North Qld floods: Homes in Cardwell south of Cairns inundated

A Cardwell family has lost two homes and two businesses after floods inundated the coastal Far North Queensland town.

A Cardwell family has lost two homes and two businesses after floods inundated the coastal Far North Queensland town.

Chelsea Venz, who lives in the area with her partner and two young daughters, said her house was “completely underwater” after a torrent of water wreaked havoc on the 1200-strong community overnight Sunday.

Her family of four evacuated in time but her dad Adrian Venz, and stepmum, Rose Venz, were rescued by SES.

Chelsea and her father, a retired police officer, both lost their properties and their two businesses in town are understood to also damaged by the flood water.

“Our house, which is two metres high, is completely underwater,” she said.

“We’ve lost absolutely everything.

(L-R) Bottom of frame, Chelsea Venz and 6 year old Tally Venz, Kieren Lowe, Ms Venz’s mum who the family are currently staying with. Rose Venz and Andrian Venz, with Chelsea’s sister in top left. Photo: Supplied.

“Our house, equipment, vehicles, solar system, everything is underwater. So is my dad and stepmum’s property, which they worked so hard for, it's all gone.

“They waited it out a bit, thinking it would be like last year when the water didn’t rise too much, but it got much worse.”

Rose Venz, also sustained a broken ankle just days before the flooding, which made it difficult to evacuate.

“We also lost our chickens, but dad and Rose were able to save their two dogs and a cat,” Ms Venz said.

Displaced with family in Yungaburra, Ms Venz said she had concerns for community members who were stranded.

However, Adrian and Rose Venz, their two dogs and cat have been taken in by a “kind stranger”.

“We are a close-knit town,” Ms Venz said.

Cardwell family and neighbours devastated by rising floodwaters. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Venz said she and her stepmum, Rose, haven’t seen the extent of the damage but their shops in the town have water damage.

“My mum’s shop is a gift shop, and most of her stock is ruined,” she said.

“My shop sells mostly online, but all of my stock is in the store and it’s ruined too. We can’t get in there to assess it yet because the roads are blocked.”

The mother of two said the situation remains dire for many families in the community, with roads closed, power and water cut off, and supplies running low.

“The town is cut off,” she said.

“As far as I know we can’t get any fuel or food in and people are starting to run out of supplies.

“I’m worried for them.”

Despite what they are going through, Ms Venz said she remained hopeful the community would pull through.

“Cafes have been trying to operate to feed the emergency workers, everyone is doing their best to help,” she said.

The Venz family has started a GoFundMe account to help rebuild what they have lost.

“This money will not only help our family but also support our next-door neighbours during this devastating time,” she said.

Looking forward, Ms Venz said her two daughters, Tally, 6, and Nilah, 3, were doing well.

“Tally really wants to go to school, but she won’t be able to anytime soon,” she said.

Originally published as Far North Qld floods: Homes in Cardwell south of Cairns inundated