Qld floods: More than 20k students impacted by disaster

More than 20,000 schoolchildren have had their education impacted by the Far North Queensland floods, while 100 are still unable to attend school.

The Thompson River in flood on the outskirts of Longreach. Picture: Nicola Coombs/Facebook

One hundred students are still unable to attend school, while more than 20,000 have had their education impacted by the Far North Queensland floods.

The figures, released on Sunday, include an estimated 21,982 state school students who were affected by closures during the floods with experts saying the school days lost could lead to “learning losses”.

Griffith University professor Donna Pendergast says NAPLAN at the end of next month will be a helpful way to see where students are at academically following the floods.

“There will be learning losses so we can calculate them on the number of days not attended,” she said.

Prof Pendergast said if students remained disengaged or unable to attend school for prolonged periods, parental involvement and online resources could help.

Meanwhile, education bodies and experts have raised concerns about the state of the schools that remain closed in areas surrounding Ingham.

Minister for Education John Paul-Langbroek visiting Victoria Plantation State School. Picture: Supplied

Queensland Association of State School Principals president Pat Murphy said they had not seen schools so isolated since Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

“After a flood, having access to airconditioning reduces the risk of mould,” he said.

“It’s important this is turned on as quickly as possible. Without electricity ... schools could not turn airconditioning on as promptly as we would like.

“Toobanna is the school that I’m aware of where floodwaters entered the buildings.

“(Lack of) access to Macknade and Halifax state schools has also meant we have not been able to have staff inspect or clean schools.”

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said in the past week he had seen the damage to facilities and equipment, particularly at the worst-affected schools, Toobanna and Victoria Plantation state schools.

Toobanna State School following the floods. Picture: Supplied

“There’s a major task ahead for our crews on the ground but I would like to thank principals, school staff and QBuild workers for their tireless efforts to reopen almost 60 state schools in the past week,” he said.

“It has been a devastating start to the year. I want to assure families (we) won’t stop until we see all students back in the classroom. I also want to reassure parents that the closures won’t significantly disrupt their child’s education – our principals and teachers are well-equipped to support students and families.”

Meanwhile, major rivers across northwest Queensland, including the Thomson River, have flooded the outback area after the tropical low shifted towards Longreach.

The Bureau of Meteorology observed a moderate flood peak along the river from Saturday afternoon and expected it to continue over a few days at Stonehenge and Jundah.

Longreach Regional Council issued a stay informed warning as conditions could be dangerous. More than 20 roads in the area were closed.

Victoria Plantation State School. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as Qld floods: More than 20k students impacted by disaster