Timeline for Wujal Wujal residents long-awaited homecoming finally revealed

A staggered return to a southern Cape York community is slated to start soon with some residents set to finally head home late next month after a torrent of water swept the region. See the pictures.

The Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre at Wujal Wujal was badly damaged during the floods. Image: Bronwyn Farr

A staggered return to a southern Cape York community is slated to start soon with some residents set to finally head home late next month.

But community members worst hit by the Far North’s record December deluge may still have a long wait ahead of them.

Two months on from when the Bloomfield River peaked, more than 100 contractors and workers are in Wujal Wujal assisting with recovery efforts.

The Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire petrol station following the flood which peaked on December 17. Image: Bronwyn Farr

A Queensland Reconstruction Authority spokesman said while some essential services have returned, critical work still needs to be done.

“Services such as power and telecommunications have been reconnected in some areas,” the spokesman said.

“Good progress has already been achieved in regards to cleaning homes, the community and other buildings within Wujal Wujal.

“Priorities include assisting residents to return to their homes if they haven’t been damaged and are safe to live in and repairing and restoring critical community infrastructure, including water and sewerage, as well as the health clinic, police station, store and fuel station.”

The Australian Defence Force deployed two Chinook helicopters and two AW139 helicopters on December 19 for the mandatory evacuation of 300 people from Wujal Wujal, on the Bloomfield River, following devastating flooding. Picture: ADF

Last week, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council Kiley Hanslow said the first residents may return within “six-to-eight weeks”.

But several sources believe some community members will be forced to wait till June or later for a homecoming.

“At the moment we’re still having trouble with the switchboard and piping,” one source said recently.

“QBuild gave an estimate that in June all the essential stuff will be up-and-running.”

Wujal Wujal mayor Bradley Creek says that the entire community of Wujal Wujal has been evacuated following the flood emergency, with the majority of the town staying at the Cooktown PCYC, which is set up as an evacuation centre by the Australian Red Cross. Picture: Brendan Radke

Last month, Premier Steven Miles revealed he’d grown “frustrated” with the lack of a clear timeline being provided by the QRA and key stakeholders on when residents could return.

“I understand how frustrating this is – I’m frustrated too,” Mr Miles said.

“It’s why we haven’t been able to give a firm timeline on when it will be safe to return.

“The timelines given to me … keep shifting between two, four, six, eight weeks.”

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission Queensland has pledged to support the community ahead of its local government elections.

Around 50 Wujal Wujal residents are believed to be living in Cairns with other families are staying in Mareeba, Mossman and Cooktown.

Wujal Wjual Mayor Bradley Creek is seeking a second term with Indigenous ranger Alister Gibson to challenge him for the role and six councillor nominations have been received by the Australian Electoral Commission.

A commission spokesman said it was finalising “election service delivery arrangements” for Wujal Wujal voters.

“A dedicated, experienced contact person has been working with candidates to support them through the nomination process and will be similarly assisting electors with information about how and where to vote,” he said.

“The ECQ, through our dedicated contact officer and First Nations Engagement Officer, has been working with residents to ensure they have the information they need using all available channels.”

Last week, the NRL in partnership with GIVIT and broadcasters Foxtel and Channel 9 launched a national appeal to raise money for communities in the Bloomfield River region.

The entire community was evacuated just days before Christmas following the dual disasters of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, the wettest weather event of its kind in Australian history, and the ensuing floods.

Originally published as Timeline for Wujal Wujal residents long-awaited homecoming finally revealed