Maryborough flood emergency: Lamington Bridge, roads reopen
The Lamington Bridge has reopened and rural fireys have joined the clean up efforts in Maryborough. But the council is warning of the new threat of disease, caused by the floodwaters.
Fraser Coast
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The Lamington Bridge at Maryborough reopened on Friday as the clean-up effort continued.
Rural fire crews were on scene in Lower Kent Street making the area safe for traffic and for trains to return.
Maryborough’s Woolworths supermarket, which went underwater, was cleaned but is expected to be closed for about eight weeks.
For the second time in as many weeks, floodwaters inside the Maryborough Marina were washed away.
By Friday, power had been restored to all residents after about 1100 properties lost power at the height of the disaster.
The February 2022 flood reached 10.3m, compared to January, when it reached 9.95m and 1700 homes lost power.
Ergon area manager Nick Grant said crews had worked tirelessly to keep the community safe as floodwaters threatened to swamp critical sections of the electricity network.
“From our veterans in disaster response to our apprentices, it’s been a massive team effort from everyone. Well before the peak on Monday night, we had local crews monitoring the network and responding around the clock.
“We hope customers understand that turning the power off before electrical assets were severely damaged by floodwaters was all about preventing potentially life-threatening incidents and sparing them from much longer outages.
“We always appreciate the community’s patience, understanding and support during severe weather events, which cause disruption to households, schools and businesses.
“Getting the power back on is a critical step in recovery from natural disasters and we are grateful to crews from Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Toowoomba for their support in a marathon restoration effort for our customers and community,” he said.
Fraser Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said a new threat was looming now that the flood waters had receded.
Fraser Coast residents are being urged to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses in the wake of the recent severe weather and a public health alert about Japanese encephalitis Virus.
The public health alert was issued by Queensland Health overnight following the detection of a human case of JEV in Queensland.
Mr Everard said residents could take simple but effective steps to minimise the risk of mosquito bites.
“Applying insect repellent, wearing loose clothes to cover arms and legs and wearing closed-in shoes can significantly increase protection against mosquito bites,” he said.
“This is critical for people who may need to clean-up in and around their properties affected by recent rainfall and flooding because standing water allows mosquitoes to breed in large numbers.
“Residents should check stored goods which may provide a breeding site, like pot plant containers, buckets and other equipment stored around sheds.”
Cr Paul Truscott said receding floodwaters and pooling water from heavy rainfall can provide perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed.
“Mosquitoes carry multiple and potentially dangerous illnesses, and our region is particularly vulnerable right now given the conditions are ripe for mosquito activity,” he said.
“Some of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses are Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, though these are only some of what can be spread by a mosquito bite.
Earlier
Roads and bridges across the Fraser Coast region are starting to reopen as floodwaters subside.
While the main bridge between Granville and Maryborough is still closed, Granville residents are no longer isolated after Little Tinana Bridge reopened, making it possible to travel to Tin Can Bay or Gympie for supplies.
Schultz’s Bridge at Tinana has also reopened, but the Lamington Bridge is still closed to traffic.
Engineering safety inspections need to be carried out on both the Lamington and Granville bridges before they can reopen.
Both are expected to reopen on Thursday.
The Maryborough-Hervey Bay Rd reopened on Monday afternoon as the flood waters continue to recede.
SES flood boats have been used to run supplies to Granville.
On Tuesday, a helicopter was used to deliver 25 loaves of bread and 30 bottles of long life milk to the isolated suburb.
That was in addition to canned food, baby food, medication and pet food.
Supply runs are set to continue throughout Wednesday.
Businesses have begun the clean-up efforts across Maryborough.
The levee has been removed from the CBD after it successfully held back floodwaters, protecting more businesses from inundation.
Businesses not protected by the levee, including the Criterion Hotel and the Maryborough Marina, went under water for the second time in as many months.
Photos posted on the Criterion Hotel’s Facebook page showing the extent of the inundation.
But the latest photo shows how quickly it is being restored so it can reopen.
The Maryborough excelsior band hall narrowly avoided inundation in January, with operators pleased to see flooding was not as bad as expected when visiting the site this week.
The council has warned some CBD streets will need to stay closed for a while longer as pumps are being used as a precautionary measure, although further wet weather is not expected to impact on flood levels.
Homeowners have also begun their clean up efforts, including a family in Queen St whose self-built levee was unable to keep the floodwaters at bay.
Maryborough Landfill is expected to reopen on Monday.
The aquatic centre, which was close to being restored after January’s floods, is expected to now remain closed until May or June, pending damage assessment.
Clean-up army, 700+ meals: How Maryborough united in flood crisis
The community has pulled together to support its flood heroes as Maryborough fights back after its second flood in six weeks.
The Rapid Response team from Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has made more than 700 meals, including hot dogs, burgers and croissants, to hungry council and emergency service crews.
Ben Eades, one of the Rapid Response volunteers, said the group had carried out the same role six weeks ago when the city was beset by floodwater.
Set up on the City Hall green, the workers ensure no one is overlooked as they work to keep the city safe.
“It’s something we can do, they’ve got their jobs,” Mr Eade said.
“It’s a little thing we can do, to cater for them to keep their tanks full for they can keep doing what they do best.”
The team has been operating since Saturday and expects to keep working until Thursday.
More than 1o0 volunteers have given their times, with help from crews in Bundaberg.
“It’s probably the last thing that gets thought of (in an emergency), food and hydration,” Mr Eade said.
In other parts of Maryborough, residents have watched on as water crept across their lawns and sometimes into their home and businesses.
Will Talbot was left cleaning up his business in John St for the second time in a matter of weeks.
Rosalie Broere said she felt relieved when the floodwaters peaked at 10.3m rather than 10.7m, which would have almost been inside her Queen St home.
Instead, she just has a new riverfront home, for a little while at least.
Ms Broere said the street would pull together for a clean up effort once the floodwaters were gone.
She moved into the street two years ago and the flood in January was her first experience of a flooding emergency in the city.
While the levee managed to save many CBD businesses, there were still dozens of business owners whose properties went under water.
The operators of MAD Providore didn’t let that deter them though, setting up temporary premises in the Powerhouse Church auditorium in Kent St to keep their business up and running.
In addition to their deli stocks, the business was also serving tea, coffee, scones and banana bread.
As the flood clean up gets underway, from next M the council will offer free kerbside collection of disaster waste from flood affected areas and will place bulk bins in the Maryborough CBD for businesses to dispose of flood waste.
Bulk bins will be placed in selected locations in the CBD as soon as possible and in Alice Street near the Ululah Lagoon if required to assist flood affected businesses.
Council waste facilities are also gearing up to take disaster waste from residents for free from today.
The bulk kerbside collection of disaster waste will be limited to flood-affected residential areas of Maryborough to assist making homes safe, habitable, and accessible.
Waste placed on footpaths in areas not subject to flooding will not be collected and should be disposed of at one of Council’s Waste Facilities.
Waste not created by the flood which has been placed on the kerbside will be considered as illegal dumping and fines may apply.
To assist in the collection process, waste should be placed neatly and separated rather than lumped in a pile of mixed items.
Spoiled or spoilable food waste should be placed in the general waste wheelie bin (red lid) and placed to the kerbside for normal collection.
Sinkhole opens outside CBD pub, 800+ without power
A sinkhole has opened at the intersection of Richmond and Ellena Street, Maryborough with police advising motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.
Work is being carried out to fix the damage. A similar sinkhole opened near the Granville bridge in the January floods and was able to be repaired.
It comes as the flood recovery effort begins in Maryborough.
Granville is likely to be isolated for a least a couple more days as the floodwaters slowly recede.
Mayor George Seymour said the Mary River in Maryborough had peaked at 10.3m overnight but would stay above the major level of 9m today before falling below the moderate and minor flood levels on Wednesday.
“While the water levels are high, we need everyone to stay out of the flood zone.
“Please be patient and do not try to go into flood affected homes and businesses until it is safe,” he said.
Climate Change
— Grouse Beater (@Grouse_Beater) February 28, 2022
Aerial view of the extensive flooding in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia. Photo: AFP pic.twitter.com/M93mPpTVz6
“Council will closely monitor flood levels, progressively take down the levee wall and remove sandbags today.
“All current road closures will stay in effect with vehicle and pedestrian movement in the Maryborough CBD restricted. We will open up CBD streets as soon as we can.
“While the worst has passed, this is not over yet.
“It may not be until Thursday or even Friday that the Granville and Lamington Bridges can reopen as it depends on how quickly the floodwaters subside, and the need for damage assessments and safety inspections.
“We thank the community in advance for their patience and understanding as we move into the recovery phase in coming days and weeks.”
Cr Seymour said people wanting to help with the flood recovery were encouraged to reach out directly to affected friends, families or businesses or register as a volunteer with Volunteering Queensland – www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au/qld
“If you do help with the clean-up, please remember to stay safe and wear appropriate clothing and Personal Protective Equipment as there are many soil and waterborne bugs stirred up in floods that can infect people as they clean up,” he said.
“Donations of quality goods for families in need are always well received at your local community run Op Shop while people wishing to donate funds or goods are encouraged to go to https://www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding.”
Some pictures from Mum in Maryborough: pic.twitter.com/IHUIx0gHcK
— Blossom (@KittenFlower) February 28, 2022
Key activities in the recovery process will include:
- The Rural Fire Service and SES will assist with washouts of homes and businesses in the Maryborough urban area while areas outside of Maryborough needing a washout can call SES on 132 500.
- Council will progressively reopen and clean up its facilities when possible. This includes libraries, cultural venues, parks and playgrounds and the Maryborough landfill.
- Council will support flood affected residents and businesses throughout the Fraser Coast region with financial assistance applications when assistance becomes available from the Australian and Queensland Governments.
- Council will offer free kerbside collection of disaster waste from flood affected areas and will place bulk bins in the Maryborough CBD for businesses to dispose of flood waste.
Cr Seymour said bulk bins would be placed at selected locations to assist affected businesses as soon as possible and in Alice Street near the Ululah Lagoon if required to assist flood affected businesses.
“Council waste facilities are also gearing up to take disaster waste from impacted residents for free from today,” he said.
Cr Seymour said the current flood event had flushed more debris out of the Mary River, which will make its way on to Fraser Coast beaches for several weeks.
“Council urges people to avoid beaches affected by flood debris due to potential hazards and pollutants. Residents can report flood debris to Council through our call centres,” he said.
‘Very long peak’, 800+ properties without power, highway reopens
The Mary River at Maryborough peaked overnight at 10.3m, below the 2013 Cyclone Oswald peak and is receding on Tuesday morning.
As of 5am, the river was at 10.25 metres and falling and expected to remain above the major flood level 9m throughout Tuesday.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the river was now at 10.2m after a “very, very long peak”.
“We knew it would be a long peak by how long it was high in Tiaro,” he said.
“What we didn’t know from the Bureau of Meteorology predictions was how high it was going to be.
“They said it could be up to 10.7m and it has peaked at 10.3m, which is a relief.”
Cr Seymour said the flood had inundated many properties and would isolate communities in Granville and Tinana for “some time”.
Meanwhile, the Bruce Highway at Tiaro was expected to reopen on Tuesday morning.
It had been closed for several days due to flooding.
Across the Fraser Coast, 871 properties are without power.
Power was disconnected to the CBD on Saturday, while many homes have been left without power due to rising floodwaters and safety concerns.
Geoff Myatt, whose business, Myatt Jewellers, experienced flooding when the penstock gate was breached during January’s floods said this time around he was breathing a sigh of relief.
He said the CBD business owners had started a Facebook messenger chat and council CEO Ken Diehm had been giving numerous updates to the group over the last few days.
Mr Myatt said it was great to see the levee hold, protecting businesses in the CBD during the major flood.
Boaties brave floodwaters to get to stranded residents
A mercy dash has been made to isolated residents in Lower Kent Street and Mary Street, where some properties are being inundated with floodwater.
With supplies running short in the isolated streets, Maryborough residents packed two boats full of groceries and essential items to assist those in need.
Julie, who asked for her surname to be withheld, said she had sent supplies to a friend.
“They are not doing too well down there, they’ve got a lot of water coming up.
“Some of the houses have actually got water in them.
“In my 43 years I’ve never seen it.”
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the water was continuing to rise, with the peak still expected to be 10.7m.
He said the levee was holding the water out of the CBD “very, very successfully”.
Meanwhile, supermarkets across the region are running short of supplies as the Bruce Highway remains closed to traffic.
Photos were being shared on social media, with some outlets running low on milk and bread, with little to no fresh produce.
‘Get out now’: Three rescued from home as floodwaters rise
Hundreds of homes are expected to be impacted by the floods across Maryborough, with the Mary River expected to peak at 10.7m later today, a height last seen in the region after ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.
It comes after three people were rescued from a flooded home in Carlson Street on Monday.
District Officer Superintendent Michael Sawrey said 25 business and about 165 homes had so far been impacted by the flooding.
But if the flood reached its expected peak, it would impact about 42 businesses and 325 homes, he said.
MORE COVERAGE: Maryborough cyclone level flood of 2013: bureau
Supt Sawrey said police had already been involved in a number of flood rescues across the region, urging people to remain out of the floodwaters.
That included an incident in Carlson St which saw three people rescued from a home.
A spokesman from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said three swift water rescue crews were sent to the scene about 12.15pm on Monday to evacuate the people from the flooded property.
The current river level at Maryborough is about 9.95m and rising.
At Miva, the river level is at 20.80m, while at Tiaro the river is at 19.90m and steady.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said residents in the areas likely to be affected by the rising floodwaters, expected to peak at 10.7m, should ensure they have done all their preparations to keep themselves and their families safe today, tonight and in coming days.
“The flood waters are already at similar levels to what they were in the January floods, so it is important everyone who needs to get out of their homes has done so by now,” he said.
“Residents can check flood mapping to see if their property may be affected – https://mapping.frasercoast.
qld.gov.au/disaster-management-index.html
“Shelter with family and friends where possible while an evacuation centre is open at the Madcota Community Hub (Maryborough Senior Citizens Hall) in Alice Street for those who need it.
“Self-serve sandbagging stations are open in the Maryborough Bunnings car park, the Granville Hall and the Davies car park at 101 – 105 Bazaar Street for those who still need sandbags.
“The Maryborough CBD is closed to both cars and pedestrians. The flood levee, which is designed to hold back a flood up to 11.4m from entering some parts of the Maryborough CBD, is being monitored closely but has been working well so far.
“Please avoid sightseeing and please stay out of the flood zone so council workers and the various government agencies can continue to do what they need to do to mitigate the impacts of this flood.
“This is a stressful and difficult time with a number of businesses and residents now flooded twice in a matter of weeks. Please look after yourselves and check in on your friends and neighbours to make sure they are doing okay.”
Mr Seymour said a number of key local roads had closed, including the Maryborough to Bay Road, Alice Street at the Ululah Lagoon and Schultz’s Bridge at Tinana, with about 100 road closures or warnings now listed on Council’s Disaster Dashboard – https://disaster.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/
“Stay off the roads unless essential and remember if it’s flooded forget it,” he said.
The Maryborough Markets have been cancelled this week because of the weather emergency.
“With the waters yet to peak in Maryborough and the larger number of residents and facilities that are anticipated to be affected, a swift clean-up is vital for the Maryborough CBD and wider community,” acting events manager Chelsea Larner-Simpson said.
“The cancellation of this Thursday’s markets will assist this recovery effort.”
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