Frustration and disappointment from storm ravaged community over disaster response

Victims of the devastating storm and flood events claim they were left to fend for themselves and are demanding answers. Where was the help?

Frustration grows over disaster response.

Hundreds of residents hardest hit by the catastrophic Christmas Day storm and New Years day floods are demanding answers over what they claim is a slow disaster response.

Power was finally reconnected to some homes across Mount Tamborine on Sunday nearly two weeks after the devastating weather event battered the region, tearing roofs from homes, wiping out the power grid and leaving the community in despair.

Long-term resident of more than 20 years, Neil Davenport said the weather event was like nothing he had ever experienced. The days following the disaster were also among the most challenging.

“It was a test of our strength. We stuck it out and we’re still here” Mr. Davenport said after his power was reconnected.

“It’s amazing, when a disaster happens the street comes out and the camaraderie, the feeling of togetherness, it’s brilliant.”

Neil Davenport from Kinabalu Drive in Tamborine Mountain, was without power for almost two weeks following the devastating Christmas Day storm. – Picture: Richard Walker

After a testing two weeks, Mr Davenport said he was most looking forward to a warm shower and a bit of TV, the creature comforts we all take for granted. With his lights back on and essentials reconnected, attention is now turning to the disaster response and recovery.

Resident in communities across the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim feel the extent and seriousness of the devastation was not given the attention it deserved, he said.

“I think the response was slow, they (the government) are still scratching their heads” Mr Davenport said.

“The Rural Fire Service and SES were brilliant, no complaint. The new Premier’s response was slow. He could have been quicker, particularly with funding and disaster funding because people really needed that.”

Mr Davenport said many of the locals had forked out hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars for generators and batteries to get by. The fuel costs to keep them running had also taken a toll.

“The preparedness and the response it should already be there ready to go, rather than us all gathering day after day scratching our heads trying to workout what’s going to happen next.”

Mt Tamborine resident Bruce Crichton was among those out of pocket and without power for nearly two weeks. Picture Glenn Hampson

Concerns over the slow pace of support are shared with resident Bruce Crichton, his home on Wongawallan Road lost it’s roof during the storm, and was then impacted by the heavy rain. He spent more than $40 dollars a day just on fuel for the generator to keep his lights on but says he was one of the lucky ones.

“I still have a house that’s standing, 100 metres down the road and that’s a different story for my neighbours, and they don’t have any support to find somewhere else to live,” Mr Crichton said.

“There are people that have no food, no clothes, and not much left.

“The communication has been poor and we (community) have relied on each other to get by.”

Extra financial assistance from the federal government was made available to affected residents on Monday. The community hope further help with rebuilding will follow, with delays forecast due to materials delays and labour shortages impacting affecting the industry generally.