Logan locals say floodwater is at the highest levels they have ever seen in the area before

As parks disappear from view, the bottoms of houses go underwater and ducks swim over what were once off-leash dog areas, Logan locals have told how this is the worst flood they have ever seen.

Logan residents who have lived through several previous floods say they have never seen the water reach the heights it has this week.

Angela Konstantinos, 39, of Tanah Merah was among several people who drove down to look at popular Alexander Clark Park, at the end of Dewar Drive, in Loganholme today.

She said she and Indii, 12, Hunter 11, Billy, 8, and Pearl, 6, checked out the popular park on Monday but were astounded by the difference in less than 24 hours.

“We came down yesterday … for a look and the water was nowhere near this high,” she said.

“Yesterday we could easily walk down to the playground, the kids were able to play in the playground and we could walk over to the grassy hill, there was no water in-between.

“There was certainly no water flowing like there is today. It wasn’t actively moving.”

The large park sits on the banks of the Logan River and is popular with families for kids parties or barbecues, dog owners, bike riders, joggers and disc golf players.

The two off-leash dog parks and some exercise equipment underwater at the front of Alexander Clark Park, Loganholme about lunchtime on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

The roundabout at the entrance to Alexander Clark Park, Loganholme on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

As Miss Konstantinos surveyed the water covering the entire park, right up to the large roundabout at the entrance, she said it was the highest she had ever seen the water rise.

“I remember coming here even as a kid when it would flood,” she said.

“But it was never like this. The top was always pretty dry.

“Its never been like this. This is the worst I’ve ever seen it.”

Miss Konstantinos said the water level was higher than when the same area flooded in 2017 and it was the first time she had seen fast-flowing water on the road near the park’s main entrance.

“This is bigger than anything I’ve ever seen living here, ever,” she said.

The water has flowed up higher than I’ve ever seen it and the fact it’s actually fast moving like this.

“I’ve never seen it like this before, actually flowing in the park.”

The Murphy kids of Tanah Merah: Hunter, 11, Indii, 12, Pearl, 6, and Billy, 8, checking out Loganholme’s flooded Alexander Clark Park on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

Angela Konstantinos, 39, of Tanah Merah at Alexander Clark Park, Loganholme. She says she has never seen the water that high, nor has she ever seen fast flowing water over the road from floods before. Picture: Supplied

Tyler Biddlecombe, 25, and his partner Madison Mitchell, 24, of Tanah Merah brought their 4-year-old Labrador border collie cross, Frankie, down to look at their favourite dog park.

The two off-leash dog parks sit at the entrance to the main park.

Mr Biddlecombe said the part they sat in daily while Frankie ran around was 2m under water about lunchtime today.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said.

“I’ve lived around Shailer Park and Loganholme my whole life … I’ve never seen it like this.

“If you walk down that way there’s little lakes and stuff. We thought they’d be a bit more swollen but didn’t think be like this.

“We didn’t think the whole dog park would be under.”

Tyler Biddlecombe, 25, of Tanah Merah, checking out Alexander Clark Park in Loganholme on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

Madison Mitchell, 24, and Tyler Biddlecombe, 25, of Tanah Merah, brought 4-year-old Frankie down to check out their local dog park only to find it deep underwater. Alexander Clark Park, Loganholme. Picture: Supplied

The opposite end of Dewar Drive was also underwater with floodwater spilling into it, and around corner houses, from Clarks Road.

Across the street, a skate park, playground, soccer field and other open space was completely underwater as the water rose overnight.

At the other end of Clarks Road, residents were trapped in their homes as water at least 2m deep seeped into their yards and the bottoms of their houses.

More onlookers commented that they had never seen the water this high or spread out before.

A short distance away the Pacific Highway Service Road – that winds around past the Logan River and under the M1 motorway – was also closed as the river crept higher on each side and closer to houses.

The end of Clarks Road, Loganholme, closest to the M1 about lunchtime. Picture: Supplied

Part of flooded Clarks Road, Loganholme on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

Dillon Delamere, 25, of Loganholme was one of many people who headed to check out the height of the Logan River near and from the Red Bridge, near the Logan River Parklands.

Mr Delamere said he was concerned he might have to evacuate if the water spread any further.

“I’ve only just moved to this area so seeing something like this is crazy,” he said.

“It’s my first time seeing something like this too.

“I’ve been out every single morning (checking the water). It’s higher now than it was this morning.”

Some residents are already preparing for the clean-up when the water subsides, with some buying gum boots while offers to help started appearing on local community groups on Facebook.

Elsewhere in Logan, the river hit 10.90m in Waterford on Tuesday morning and was expected to peak around 11 metres this afternoon.

Dillon Delamere, 25, of Loganholme checks out the Pacific Highway Service Road that goes under the M1 at Loganholme, on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

The same spot measured at 10.60m in 2017 from the flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

Logan City mayor Darren Power put out an alert earlier Tuesday urging residents to remain cautious even when floodwaters started to recede.

“Logan River from Waterford to Parklands is expected peak today above the 2017 level (ex-TC Debbie) of 10.5 metres before easing,” he said.

“Based on the 2017 flood, it is estimated around 200 homes may be significantly impacted.”

A post on the mayor’s Facebook page said the Logan River at the Maclean Bridge peaked overnight at 20.64m, just below the 20.66m experienced in 2017.

The Logan River at Waterford peaked above the 2017 level of 10.5m with rising floodwater still occurring downstream to Carbrook.

The swollen Logan River under the ‘Red Bridge’, Loganholme on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

The Albert River has already fallen to below the major flood level and continues to fall, according to his post.

Cr Power also announced evacuation centres were now open with sandbags still available for residents.

Sandbags were available until 6pm today from the Logan East SES Depot, 26-36 Winnetts Road, Daisy Hill, the Beenleigh Showgrounds, access via James Street, Beenleigh and the Logan Metro Sports Park (at the Logan Football Complex), 345-355 Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains.

The Logan Metro Sports and Events centre, 357 – 359 Browns Plains Rd has also been set up as an evacuation centre, with showers, food, beds and blankets are available for impacted residents.

Pets are also permitted but will be taken offsite and cared for by the Logan Animal Management team at no cost, according to Cr Power’s Facebook page.

Temporary places of refuge also open today include the Cornubia Sports Centre, 146-170 Bryants Rd, Cornubia, Caddies Jimboomba 19-33 South St, and the Beenleigh PCYC, 20-38 Alamein St, Beenleigh.

The refuge centres are not set up for overnight accommodation.