The backbone and heart of the City of Logan were on full display this week.
Kingston resident Barbara Cole choked back tears as she discussed how her local community helped her clean up a lifetime of memories after her home flooded downstairs.
At the height of the recent extreme weather event, a two-seater lounge almost floated out of Barbara’s house and the ceilings in two upstairs bedrooms gave way as water poured in.
Barbara was attempting to deal with her mud-coated belongings and trying to salvage treasured items belonging to her late parents and grandchildren when help arrived.
A 10-strong crew from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) turned up with a truck. Not surprisingly, it brought tears to her eyes.
“They were beyond helpful, just amazing,” she said.
“Everything was so gentle and nothing was too much trouble.”
Barbara not only had her own possessions stored on her property, but also items collected to support people in domestic violence situations.
“I’m very drained but blessed that I’m still alive and we’re getting there.”
To help her recovery, Barbara has turned her focus to making crafty Easter gifts for local children.
“Now it’s a real mission to get them done.
“With the floods, some children aren’t going to be able to get Easter eggs so I’ll go round and find out the people that need them and just donate them.”
City of Logan Mayor Darren Power said Council would continue to support the community as it recovered from the floods.
“We commend the hard work of all those involved in this process including Councillors, Council staff, emergency services, ADF, volunteers as well as relatives and residents reaching out to assist those in need,” Cr Power said.
“Once again, this terrific response, and stories like Barbara’s, has highlighted the incredible resilience of those who live in Logan and demonstrates yet again how we all look out for each other when times are tough.”
Flooding this month in the City of Logan exceeded 2017 levels caused by ex-TC Debbie in most areas but was slightly lower than flood heights in 1974.
Logan City Council continues to compile data relating to the extreme weather event.
Here’s what is estimated so far*:
- At least 265 homes and 54 businesses were inundated (water above the floor). Council reached out to about 550 property owners impacted by the floods.
- More than 300 civilian volunteers, Logan House Fire Network and Australian Defence Force personnel helped clean up more than 120 houses.
- There were 147 roads in the City of Logan impacted by flooding or rain.
- Council crews responded to 1358 roadway defects, with works ongoing.
- Flood waste is being collected from 59 suburbs with machinery needed in 15 suburbs to lift heavy flood debris.
- Around 510 tonnes of waste has been collected from kerbsides with collections ongoing.
- A further 266 tonnes of waste (including 13 tonnes of green waste) was collected by volunteers, Council and the ADF. This work is also continuing.
- Nearly 2800 customers took up Council’s free flood waste disposal offer to dump 1567 tonnes of flood-damaged items.
- Three cars and 114 tyres and were pulled or collected from waterways and properties.
- All of Council’s 958 parks have been assessed. There were 15 parks significantly impacted with repair works in progress or scheduled. More than 500 parks have re-opened while the majority of the others only require minor clean-up works.
- Council will undertake soil testing at 18 sports facilities, including sports fields, two track and field ovals and a BMX track.
- Details on Council’s Financial Assistance Package for residents and businesses can be accessed on Council’s website – logan.qld.gov.au
* As at March 14. All data subject to change based on new and updated information
