Hovercrafts helping get supplies to flood affected Gold Coast residents

Some Gold Coast communities remain cut off by rising flood waters and are preparing to be isolated for a few days. How they’re getting help.

Stranded Gold Coast residents cut off by rising flood waters in the city’s north have been thrown a lifeline with hovercrafts helping transport necessities to isolated properties.

The Albert River burst its banks near Stapylton on Sunday night from the deluge, causing major flooding and inundating the low lying roads.

About a metre of water has washed across the cane fields – submerging vehicles and surrounding homes leaving residents with little time to prepare.

Flooding on the Gold Coast in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred. Stapylton homes surrounded by floodwaters. Tony Bailey from Airlift Hovercraft, uses one to check on the welfare of his neighbours.

Pictures: Glenn Hampson

In true community spirit, Gold Coast hovercraft manufacturer Airlift has been transporting supplies to residents cut off by the floods.

“The hovercrafts were just sitting there, we’re flooded so we can’t work so I thought lets go and check on the neighbours and start helping out,” owner Tony Bailey said.

“It’s a big risk taking a boat in that water – if you can get it in there – you’ve got debris that could damage or get stuck in the prop. With the hovercraft we’re hovering about 300mm above the surface so you don’t get affected by the current or anything.”

The hovercraft has been ferrying in water and food from Alberton Rd through flooded paddocks and along the surging river – bringing essentials to people who may not be able to get out of their properties for days.

Flooding on the Gold Coast in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred. Stapylton homes surrounded by floodwaters. Picture Glenn Hampson

The ground is saturated – with the flood water barely receding throughout Monday. Any further rainfall could see even further rises and risk flooding more properties.

“We are here and ready to help – we just want to do what we can,” Mr Bailey said.

“This isn’t as bad as the 2022 flood. It’s not as high as it came up then but for the people out here it does leave them on their own.”

Originally published as Hovercrafts helping get supplies to flood affected Gold Coast residents