Clean up starts at Brisbane Markets in Rocklea after flood devastation

A massive clean-up is under way at the Brisbane Markets site in Rocklea after floodwaters destroyed tonnes of fresh produce.

Mountains of destroyed produce are growing bigger on the grounds of Rocklea’s Brisbane Markets, as an estimated thousands of kilos of fruit and vegetables were covered by floodwaters this week.

Brisbane Markets is yet to put a price on fruit, vegetables and meat that has been deemed unsafe to eat and will need to be discarded after it was drowned in about eight metres of floodwater.

However, as the water receded over night Tuesday, efforts turned to cleaning up the 77 hectare site.

“We still have a lot of work to do to ensure that Brisbane Markets is fully functioning, but we know what we have to do and how to do it,” Brisbane Markets Limited Chair, Anthony Kelly said.

Flood damaged produce at Brisbane Markets in Rocklea. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“Our efforts overnight were impacted by ongoing road closures leading to difficulties accessing the site via main arterial roads.

“Now that there is better access back to site, we are undertaking essential reinstatement works to clean up and restore all services and warehouses.”

The market, in Brisbane’s southwest houses over 50 primary wholesalers and a number of secondary providers.

Eight-metre high floodwaters went through the Brisbane Markets site in Rocklea. Picture: Liam Kidston

Every year, about 700 million kilos of fresh produce – an estimated $2 billion worth- passes through the market gates.

After the 2011 floods, the market was temporarily out of action and left with a $100 million damage bill, with produce prices later skyrocketing.

Connor Ryan of Young Civil helping remove the flood-damaged produce at Brisbane Markets, Rocklea. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Mr Kelly said the team at the Brisbane Markets had learned from their experience in 2011, and had done a marvellous job to get the site back up and running.

“Their strength of character in the face of ongoing challenges is remarkable,” he said.

“We learned a lot from 2011. We have flood mitigation strategies and planning in place to allow Brisbane Markets Limited to get the site back up and running as soon as possible.”