Gold Coast storms: Aerial footage captures obliterated homes, BOM says ‘little rain’ in coming days

Footage taken from Mayor Tom Tate and the Premier’s chopper flight across the storm- and flood-devastated region shows the destruction caused to homes ahead of ADF personnel joining the clean-up.

New aerial footage has revealed the extent of the destruction caused to Gold Coast homes ahead of Australian Defence Force personnel joining the recovery effort.

The vision was captured on a chopper flight taken by Premier Steven Miles and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate across storm- and flood-ravaged suburbs – including Mount Tamborine and surrounding areas – on Tuesday afternoon.

Photographs show homes that appear to be almost completely destroyed from the air, while others have roofs missing or are strewn with trees and debris.

Gold Coast Storm Damage. Pic Annette Dew

Mr Tate said the flight was standard practice after a disaster and revealed the destruction first-hand, showing some homes and infrastructure were “basically obliterated”.

“The Gold Coast is a large city and the opportunity to show the Premier the most impacted areas in a short time was most helpful,” he said.

“We are now at the stage where we need maximum federal and state support through the ADF, grants, and funding to help get the city and its residents back on their feet.

“It is vital that our political leaders in Canberra and Brisbane fully understand just what we have gone through and what the road to recovery looks like.”

Fifty ADF personnel are due to hit the ground on the Gold Coast on Thursday to aid with the enormous clean-up effort.

Kriedeman Rd at Guanaba was unrecognizable after storms then floods tore through the area. Downed powerlines and debris litter the area.. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Tate said it was yet to be decided where the ADF would begin.

“This will be determined in consultation with all agencies when they arrive,” he said.

“I will be announcing details around Operation Clean Up Gold Coast in the coming days so residents and the not-for-profit sector have some certainty around when they will be assisted.”

It is understood several authorities will be involved in prioritising areas of need.

Tourism Minister Michael Healy met with Mr Tate and several Gold Coast tourism operators - including Village Roadshow, Dreamworld, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - on Wednesday.

“We have seen severe weather across the state these past few weeks and I’m constantly impressed by the resilience and determination of our tourism operators, who work incredibly hard to give our visitors the experience of a lifetime,” Mr Healy said.

“That is no different here on the Gold Coast where the majority of operators across the city are open for business.

“Those who are still recovering have our support to get back up and running soon.”

Aerial view of Gold Coast storm damage. Picture: Annette Dew

A cloudy but virtually rain-free Wednesday was good news for clean-up crews, with the Bureau meteorologist Helen Reid saying clear skies were expected for the rest of the week.

“The good news is that the large weather systems has moved further offshore,” Ms Reid said

“We could see a little bit of rainfall and possibly some thunderstorms, which could bring a couple more millimetres.”

The Bureau issued a final flood warning for the Nerang and Coomera Rivers at 9.30am Wednesday, saying river and creek levels had generally peaked and were easing.

Premier Steven Miles and Mayor Tom Tate look over the Gold Coast Storm Damage. Picture: Annette Dew

Ms Reid said residents downstream of the Albert and Logan Rivers should remain cautious as excess water flowed out to sea.

A statement from Energex on Wednesday morning said power had been restored to more than 2600 homes in the 24 hours prior, with about 8400 still waiting to be reconnected.

New restoration estimates indicate homes in storm-battered Tamborine Mountain were expected to have power by Sunday at the latest.

Other heavily impacted suburbs including Wongawallan, Upper Coomera, and Guanaba should also regain power by the weekend.

Energex crews working at Oxenford Tamborine Rd on monday January 1, 2024. Picture: Facebook/Energex

Aerial view of a collpased house smashed furing the Gold Coast storms. Picture: Annette Dew