Amazing during-and-after pictures show how Brisbane’s flood clean up is going after a week

This inner-north Brisbane suburb was one of the hardest hit during last week’s devastating floods. But as these amazing during-and-after images show, the clean-up is well underway only a week later. SEE THE PICTURES

The suburb of Windsor in Brisbane’s inner north was one of the areas hardest hit by the floods.

Many residents were taken by surprise as flood waters rose well beyond 2011 levels.

Some were forced to watch as their home flooded for a second time when high tide brought another surge of water.

Now that the waters have receded, the massive clean up has begun with Treasurer Cameron Dick estimating the damage bill will cost taxpayers up to $2.5 billion in repairs.

Already, the community has banded together to remove much of the mud, muck and rubbish the floods left behind.

These pictures show the stark difference a week can make, with the “during” shots taken on Monday, February 28 and the “after” shows a week later on Monday, March 7.

Murray Thomas is in the process of repairing his Blackmore street home in Windsor after it was inundated by flood waters on Saturday, February 26.

The home was safe from the 2011 floods, so the family was shocked when waters reached their doorstep.

Mr Thomas said flood waters were at shoulder height inside their home by the time he, his wife and two young children were evacuated.

“It got quite high, up to shoulder level in the house. We evacuated around 6pm, waded through the water and got out,” Mr Thomas said.

“They’ve gutted the downstairs now. We’re very lucky to have had tradies in early, hopefully we can avoid the mould,” Mr Thomas said.

The Thomas family is now back in the house after days in temporary accommodation, and children Audrey and Frank returned to school on Monday.

“We will definitely stay in the house. We love the house, we love the local area, we love the community. We might just rethink what we store downstairs.”

Megan Goodley, another Blackmore Street resident also praised the community for its show of spirit.

“They’ve been fabulous. We had a busload of the army coming by on Tuesday to help clean up,” Ms Goodley said.

“You have little kids walking by with their grandparents, offering cupcakes and checking in. It’s been one amazing upside of this whole thing.”

The Goodley’s narrowly avoided being evacuated.

“Sunday was the most terrifying evening. I was watching the water come up and it was still raining, I thought ‘this is it’.”

Luckily, the flood waters stopped just above the Goodley’s home.

Others were not so lucky, with shocking images showing the impact on nearby roads.

Floodwaters lapped up to the steps at Neil Smith’s home on the hard-hit Bowen St.

The situation was similar at Khayla Matthers’ nearby home on Bowen St.

“People have had to throw out so much stuff,” Ms Goodley said.

“The streets are still garbage tips, there are piles and piles of trash. It’s starting to get a bit stinky.

“It’s terrible … We just love where we live, but we have to consider moving. Either up, or out.”