‘Expensive’ clean up bill expected after far north Queensland floods

The government is bracing for an expensive clean up bill to be issued following the destructive floods in far north Queensland.

Severe flooding in Queensland has resulted in a “absolutely terrifying” couple of days but no loss of life or serious injuries.

Cyclone Jasper made landfall north of Cairns last week and while it passed over causing moderate damage, the flooding rains that followed inundated and cut off towns and left some stranded on rooftops.

Falling flood levels on Tuesday have turned the focus to recovery and repair efforts which are expected to be “pretty expensive”, according to Emergency Minister Murray Watt.

“I expect we’re going to see a very large amount of property damage. We’ve got major roads which are still cut,” he said.

“So, I think we’re up for a pretty expensive repair bill. And some very serious structural and property damage right across far north Queensland.”

The flooding rain that followed Cyclone Jasper has disrupted communities. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brian Cassey

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend a meeting of the Queensland Disaster Management Committee alongside Senator Watt, premier Steven Miles and local councils.

Mr Albanese, who was unable to make the trip to Cairns due to the conditions, said the meeting would give councils an opportunity to outline what support they need.

“We will give whatever support is necessary,” he told 4CA radio.

“Quite clearly, in order to get the economy of Far North Queensland up and running again, the quicker that repairs can be made, the better.

“And so we’ll continue to examine what we can do to provide more support for residents, for local government, for businesses, for primary producers, as well … as the tourism sector.”

Evacuees reunite with family members at the Barron River bridge north Cairns after being rescued by boats. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brian Cassey

The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed river gauges were steadily falling on Tuesday morning, with most rivers at moderate or below moderate flood levels.

Plans were made to evacuate the entire far north town of Wujal Wujal but were abandoned on Monday due to the weather.

Senator Watt said it was a priority to get the 300 residents out.

“The reports to me are that they are safe, but there have been people who have had to spend time on their roofs, waiting for assistance,” he said.

“Everyone would feel more comfortable … once they are moved to safer and higher ground.”

Senator Watt said there had been no serious injuries or loss of life from the extreme weather event.

“When you think about the amount of water that’s been pouring down, the damage to roads, that’s a pretty impressive achievement,” he said.

“But the other thing that’s on my mind is the size of the recovery task.”

Cairns-based Labor senator Nita Green said the past couple of days had been “absolutely terrifying”.

Big thank you to our amazing SES, @QldFES and @QldPolice teams who have been working around the clock to support the Cairns community.

Had the chance to drop by some of our evacuation centres & depots today to say thanks. They are doing an incredible job. We are so grateful. pic.twitter.com/nsB0OhXQs9

— Senator Nita Green (@nitagreenqld) December 18, 2023

“It’s been torrential and non-stop. There’s still a little bit of cloud in the sky but today is the first day where we’ve seen some of that rain ease and those conditions across the region allow for people to get in and see what sort of damage has taken place,” she said.

“The rain just did not stop. We were prepared for the cyclone, but Sunday was very scary.

“The rivers were breaking and people were moving to higher ground and having to put their kids on the kitchen bench.”

Mr Albanese said the government was “very conscious” that many residents would be traumatised by the event.

“The aftermath of this unprecedented flooding will have an impact for some time.”

Originally published as ‘Expensive’ clean up bill expected after far north Queensland floods