Brisbane flood clean-up: Council calls for volunteer soldiers to enlist in Mud Army 2.0

Brisbane City Council is calling for people to enlist in the Mud Army 2.0 clean-up crew to lend a hand getting flood-hit residents and businesses back on their feet as soon as possible, as the devastating damage to the city is revealed.

Adrian Schrinner has called for people to join the Mud Army 2.0, saying it was a “defining moment” of Brisbane after the 2011 floods.

He said more than 2000 people had already signed up but the website has crashed a number of times due to strong demand.

“It’s a good problem to have,” he said.

Mr Schrinner said he understood people were anxious to start cleaning up but said in many areas it was still not safe.

“If you need help and if you can give help, we want to hear from you,” he said.

“We will link up people who need help with people who can give help.

“I expect it will be a big weekend for the Mud Army.”

The area around Rocklea and Archerfield is particularly bad. Pics Adam Head

Broncos legend Darren Lockyer was one of the dozens of community members helping with the flood clean up at Rosalie.

He joined the mayor’s call for people to join the Flood Army 2.0 and support residents and businesses impacted by the flooding.

“These moments are great for the community spirit,” he said.

“While you might be broken it’s uplifting when you get support like that from the local community.”

Brisbane Council has called for volunteer soldiers to enlist in the Mud Army 2.0 to help thousands of businesses and residents recover from the devastating floods.

Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service Katarina Carroll and Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk talk to four-year-old Beckham Waghorn in Jindalee. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

Volunteers including community groups, tradies and machinery operators, are invited to express their interest in joining the Mud Army 2.0 via the Council or Volunteering Queensland website, with the clean up expected to get underway as soon as water recedes.

People in need of assistance are also urged to also register their details on the Brisbane Council and Volunteering Queensland websites.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner urged residents to become part of “Brisbane’s proud history of helping each other out,” by joining the Mud Army 2.0.

“From the moment we faced this terrible event residents from across Brisbane have been reaching out to me to ask how they can lend a hand to help the city recover,” Cr Schrinner said.

People wade through floodwater in Fairfield. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“I have revived the renowned Mud Army from the 2011 flood so we can co-ordinate the clean up together and ensure people don’t get left behind.

“If you helped out in 2011 or have just heard the stories about the heroic efforts of hundreds of Brisbane locals I am urging everyone willing and able to sign up to get involved.

“This is your opportunity to be part of Mud Army 2.0 and your chance to join the next chapter of Brisbane’s proud history of helping each other out. If it’s for a whole day or just a few hours, it doesn’t matter. I am just urging all Brisbane residents of all ages to get involved in Mud Army 2.0.”

Similar to 2011, dedicated Mud Army 2.0 marshalling points will be activated across Brisbane, with volunteers to be provided transport from the marshalling points to areas that are most in need of help, so as to not create traffic hazards in crucial clean-up areas.

Volunteers will also be provided glasses and gloves with bottled water supplied on site.

The clean-up is under way after Brisbane’s flooding disaster. : Tertius Pickard

Cr Schrinner said thousands of homeowners and businesses will urgently need the aid of Mud Army 2.0, with the true damage to be revealed once flood waters recede.

“Whether you need help or can offer help, we want Brisbane people to log on and let us know,” he said.

“While the river didn’t rise as high as 2011, the damage is spread over a larger area due to widespread creek flooding and people are really going to need help.

“When the river water does recede, the extent of the damage will be revealed and we will know more about where the Mud Army 2.0 will be needed.

“Brisbane residents know and love their city and I am confident many will be eager to get involved once the full extent of the damage is revealed.”

A woman clears debris at a flooded road in Fairfield. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Volunteering Queensland will help co-ordinate the clean up and have asked the public to refrain from attending emergency centres or Council areas until they are called upon.

“Due to the nature of the weather occurrence and the immediate threat to safety, we ask that volunteers do not attend evacuation centres, councils, and other sites until an official call has been requested,” Volunteering Queensland said in a statement.

“We also ask that volunteers do not put themselves at risk in helping others. While these offers of assistance are commendable, having vast numbers of volunteers unexpectedly attend emergency facilities or require assistance as a result of placing themselves in harm’s way can place additional burden on the emergency response and those impacted by the disaster.

“We commend those that have supported their friends, neighbours, and relatives to date. At this crucial time we encourage volunteers to listen to authorities for warnings and updates and help neighbours, friends and family only if it is safe to do so.”