Brisbane Flood January 2011-Independent Review of Brisbane City Council's Response
On Tuesday 24th May, Council debated the Brisbane Flood January 2011 - Independent Reveiw of Brisbane City Council's Response.
I was very disappointed in this reveiw as the recommendations were generic and the report contained to timeframes, no costings nor set any priorities. As the reveiw cost $750 000, I think it is important that the recommendations are accessable to everyone.
If you wish to read the Executive Summary click here.
FERRY ROAD APARTMENT SUBMISSION TO FRRB
I was very impressed with this submison to the Flood Recovery Reveiw Board from the Body Corporate of Aura Aparment Ferry Road, West End. I thought that you might wish to read the impact of the flood in order to know what is necessary to flood proof an apartment building on a flood plain.
click here for the document
Joint Flood Taskforce Report March 2011
On Tuesday 15 March, Council debate the Joint Flood Taskforce Report March 2011.
It was a disappointing debate as the central issues were ignored and focus was on personalities.
The central issues were:
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Need for more flood data
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Recommendation to adopt the January 2011 flood level as an interim habitable flood level
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The need for a risk management approach to development of flood plains in our city.
It is the first of a number of reports but still well worth reading.
To view please Click E&C Report or Joint Flood Taskforce Report March 2011
Flood Email Updates Sent
2011 Flood Disaster
Everyone, I have been too flat strap to update my website till now.
West End has two remarkable changes in the last week. The first the brown water and destruction everywhere and the second the return of order to the streets. Every street has had one wash down and at least one large items removal.
Power has been restored to the majority of West End and a significant number of innundated properties now have power. Unfortunately some homes and a number of the unit blocks will be some weeks without power. This must be particularly difficult for those residents affected. My heart goes out to those individuals.
The businesses along the River were also hit hard by damage and innundation. Volunteers have continued to assist these businesses to get their stock and warehouses under control.
Congratulations to everyone. It has been just amazing to see the strenght of human spirit and endeavours when we work together. I think this photo says it all.
Dudley Street unit owners show their appreciation.
A business in Kurilpa shows their appreciation
Now this is a real sign thanking volunteers who assist in Barker Street, East Brisbane.
FLOODS FACT SHEET
Advice for Businesses Click Here
Advice for Residents Click Here
Restoring or Replacing Private Pontoons Click Here
West End Flood Appeal 2011
A flood appeal has been established so residents can contribute and know that these funds will be used to assist local residents and if sufficient funds local businesses. Students living in the area, without support, are doing it really tough at the moment.
The Bank Account details are:
MECU Limited
BSB: 803 140
Acc No: 12020044
Donations can also be made at the MECU Banks City Based Service Centre:
MECU Limited
Corner of George and Adelaide Street, Brisbane
PH: 3003 4600
New Flood Recovery Centre
The State Government has established a Flood Recovery Centre at the West End Uniting Church Hall, Sussex Street, West End. It is open 7 days a week from 8.30am t o 5 pm
Advice includes State and Federal financial grants, health advice and support. If you have any concerns, I would encourage you to make use of this service.
Local residents to volunteer to assist residents on weekend
While the streets look pretty clean, workers are still needed to clean gardens and houses in West End. If you have time to volunteer this weekend you can do so by ringing Jana Crawford 0413 587 970 and registering or coming to the volunteers tent on the corner of Hoogley and Ryan Streets after 8 am on Saturday or Sunday morning. Please bring spades, cleaning products, gloves and gurneys if you have them.
Assistance for Businesses
The West End Flood Recovery Group is very aware that some businesses still need assistance.
We are looking for members of the business community to assist with supporting local businesses in need. Please self nominate to The Gabba Ward Ph 3403 2165.
From Tuesday 25th January, the Flood Recovery Centre at Sussex Street will have a table with volunteers from the business community ready to assist local business. This service will be available from 2 pm to 5 pm each day.
Parking fines
All parking meters in West End and South Brisbane are free until 14th February. Council is placing stickers on the meters to let you know about the free parking.
The parking meters around the Mater Hospital are still functioning. Council inspectors will be enforcing the following parking restrictions:
• clearways
• bus ways
• loading zones
• no stopping zones
• yellow line zones
Davies Park Market, West End re-opens this Saturday 22nd January 2011.
Libraries
All Council libraries except Fairfield and Stones Corner are now open in accordance with its standard hours.
Libraries can offer flood affected residents:
• Access to televised coverage of the latest news.
• Use of WiFi and Internet facilities to access the latest news, contact family and friends, download insurance forms and other information.
• Recharging of mobile phones, laptops or torch batteries.
• Use of amenities including toilets, drink stations, meeting rooms and lounge areas.
• Activities for children, including use of \'Xboxes\' and story time sessions.
Certificate fees waived for flood victims
Victims of Queensland’s floods can apply for free replacement birth, death, marriage or change-of-name certificates.
Replace flood-damaged or lost certificates free of charge simply apply at a courthouse or a Queensland Government Agent Program office or phone the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages on 1300 366 430 or email BDM-mail@justice.qld.gov.au.
Deferral of unpaid fines
Flood victims with outstanding fines with the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) who wish to have enforcement action suspended should phone SPER on 1300 365 635.
These arrangements will be in place until the end of March 2011, with the possibility of extension depending on future weather events.
Assistance from Main Roads and Transport
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has implemented the following assistance for residents and communities impacted by the floods:
• Option for three, six or twelve month registration period with no surcharge
• Exemption from a fee for late payment of registration
• Option to extend dormant seasonal vehicle registration period up to two years
• Options for fodder transport
• Extension of time for certificates of inspection for heavy vehicles including public transport vehicles
• Free replacement of lost and/or damaged driver licences
• Options for lost or damaged Infringement Notices
Call 13 23 80 or visit your local Customer Service Centre or QGAP office for more information.
Tenants Information
Tenants’ Union of Queensland’s fact sheet aimed specifically at tenants please click on the link below to view.
http://tuq.org.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Info-for-tenants-affected-by-floods021.pdf
Energex Contact: 13 62 62
http://www.energex.com.au/
Integral Energy - Contact: 131 002
Emergency - Contact: 131 003
http://www.integral.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/integralenergy/nsw/nsw+homepage/nsw+state+home+page
AGL Energy Queensland - Contact: Residential - 131 245
http://www.agl.com.au/home/Pages/AGLInQueensland.aspx
Queensland Urban Utilities - Contact: 13 26 57 or 13 23 64
http://www.urbanutilities.com.au/
Optus - Contact: 13 13 44
http://www.optus.com.au/home/
Telstra - Contact: 13 22 03
http://www.telstra.com.au/
Queensland Government, Department of Communities - Contact: 3274 9911
http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/department-of-communities
Flood Assistance
http://www.qld.gov.au/floods
Queensland Health - Contact: 13 43 25 84
http://www.health.qld.gov.au
Legal Aid Queensland - Contact: 1300 65 11 88
http://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
Centrelink
http://www.centrelink.gov.au
Lifeline Contact: 13 11 14
http://www.lifeline.org.au
AAMI - Contact: 13 22 44
http://www.aami.com.au/home-insurance/home-insurance-details.aspx
NRMA - Contact: 132 132
http://www.nrma.com.au/home-insurance/index.shtml
Allianz - Contact: 131 000
http://www.allianz.com.au/home-insurance/
QBE - Contact: 133 723
http://www.qbe.com.au/Personal/Home/Insurance.html
Suncorp - Contact: 13 11 55
http://www.suncorp.com.au/insurance/home-contents-insurance
Rebuilding Our Community
A group of community organisations meet today to coordinate the recovery efforts in West End to form the West End Community Flood Recovery Group. When a Recovery Centre is establish the services of this group will work with the Recovery Centre.
West End Community House (WECH) at 4 Norfolk Road, West End will be the hub of the West End Recovery Centre Ph 3846 2114.
You can ring either the West End Community House or The Gabba Ward Office with any on going needs and they will be actioned in a coordinated way by the most appropriate community organisation.
Transport
LANDS are arranging to provide free transport in a small bus for flood affected residents and businesses in the West End peninsula.
The vehicle will be available each morning from Friday 21st January 2011. Please contact West End Community House on Ph 3846 2114 if you wish to use this service.
Food for flooded residents and businesses
While some food parcels are being delivered the West End Community Recovery Group suggest that you might wish to “adopt” a flooded household or business and take responsibility for their food needs until they are back on their feet. This strengthens our community and will prevent food waste.
If you do participate in this system, could you let Tina Langford, South Brisbane Electoral Office Ph 3255 3615 know so that the Recovery Group has an idea as to whether this suggestion is working.
Remember there were a number of streets in East Brisbane that were flooded as well.
The West End State School Community has put an ‘adopt a school family” system in place through their phone list. So if you have a friend with children at this school they may already be receiving community support. Brisbane State High School is setting up this system now that power is restored.
Needs identified
The West End Community Recovery Group identified the following needs
• Transport
• Food
• Housing
• Legal and Financial advice
• Support for Body Corporate Members.
• Power and generators.
This is NOT A COMPREHENSIVE LIST but gives you an idea of some of the needs. If you can assist in any way please let WECH or The Gabba Ward Office or South Brisbane Electoral Office know.
Legal Advice
Caxton Legal Centre is now located in West End. They are a local legal aid service. If you wish information please ring their Client Number Ph 3214 6333 and they will assist. They have additional staff to assist with the flood and more are being trained.
Body Corporate Members
I am aware that some body corporate members are being faced with difficult decisions. Caxton Legal Centre will assist with any legal decisions. Mr Paul Rees, a Regatta apartment’s body corporate member, has offered to provide support for other body corporate members who will need some common sense advice. He may be contacted on paulrees@powerup.com.au . He will check emails each night and contact you so make sure you provide him with your phone number.
Businesses in need
If your business has been affected by the floods, or if your business can offer assistance to one that has, please register your needs or offer of assistance on the newly established website www.SaveABusiness.com.au
By donating desk of office space, telephone access, internet connectivity, storage of goods, warehousing, equipment or anything at all you will help a flood affected business to recover quickly.
Gas Supply
Problems are occurring where water has entered the gas pipes. Worse case scenario the pipe might burst. Please make sure that a gas fitter checks the gas supply prior to starting to use the gas.
Rainwater Tans
If the rainwater tan has been submerged or partially submerged, it should be drained and flushed with clean water before it is allowed to refill. Also check that the mosquito barriers on the tank’s inlet and outlet are clear of debris and are working correctly to stop mosquito breeding in the tank. Rainwater tank pumps should be checked by an electrician before being used.
For more information Click Here
Rubbish
Council Tips are FREE and are operating extended hours 7 days per week from 6.30am to 9.00pm. For more information contact the Brisbane City Council Call Centre 24/7 on 3403 8888.
Spoiled food bins
Council will continue to provide bulk bins for disposal of spoiled food items until determined by City Waste Services that they are no longer needed. Residents and business owners should contact Council’s Call Centre for current bin locations as they will be relocated into new areas of the flood cleanup as needed and the Call Centre will have updated and current details on these locations.
Project for Weekend Clean Up
If you have a further clean up work, no matter how big or small, please contact The Gabba Ward office on 3403 2165 so that you can be registered for assistance this weekend.
If you know of a business that also needs help, please encourage them to contact me so that I can assist coordinating equipment.
WHERE TO GO FOR ASSISTANCE
Queensland Government Flood Recovery Centre
St Mary\'s Anglican Church of Australia, Kangaroo Point
455 Main Street, Kangaroo Point (next to the new Kangaroo Point Cliff Park) opens 8.30am to 5pm
West End Community House
4 Norfolk Rd, West End, Ph 3846 2114
WHERE TO GET HELP
• SES: 132500 - Emergency assistance
• Police:131 444 or (emergency 000)
• Brisbane City Council: 3403 8888 - 24/7 assistance with Council matters
• Road Closures: 131940 - which roads are open
• Energex: 131962 - electricity advice
• Federal Government Grants: 1802266 - financial grants and assistance advice
• Queensland Government Grants: 1800 173 349 - financial grants and assistance advice
• Queensland Disaster Recovery Centre: 1800 173 349 - advice and support
• Translink: 131230 - public transport advice or www.translink.com.au
• Red Cross: 1800727 077 - advice and support
• Salvation Army: 1300 363 622 - advice and support
• Qld Health: 13432584 - public health information
• Maritime Qld: 3860 3583 - lost items in the River
• Centrelink/ Emergency Assistance Hotline: 180 22 66 (open 8am to 8pm QLD time, seven days a week)
• Insurance Council of Australia: 1300 728 228
• Help for International Student’s: 1300 363 079
• RSPCA: 3426 9999
• Family Assistance Office on: 13 61 50
• Child Care Services: CCMS Helpdesk on: 1300 667 276
• Employment and rights at work: The Fair work Ombudsman’s office on: 13 131 94
• Queensland Government Interpreter Service:13 14 50
• Building Services Authority:1300 272 272
• Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation:13 25 23
• Electrical Safety Infoline: 1300 650 662
• Employment Services Information: 13 62 68
• Lifeline Telephone Counselling: 13 11 14
• Fairwork Infoline: 13 13 94
• Financial Ombudsman Service: 1800 337 444
• Legal Aid Queensland: 1300 651 188
• Salvo Care Line: 1300 363 622
• The Insurance Ombudsman Service: 1300 780 808
• Worker Assistance Hotline: 1800 035 749
Disaster Management
Visit www.health.qld.gov.au/healthieryou/disaster or call 13 43 25 84 for information on the following
• Community health advice for dealing with floods and other disasters
• Stay safe and healthy during flood recovery
• Tetanus vaccinations following the flood clean-up
• Stress and wellbeing - coping in times of crisis
• Ensuring food safety
• Ensuring safe drinking water
• Coping without gas or electricity
• Medicines
• Emergency advice
• Safety preparations for storms and floods
• General advice for other disasters
If you are renting
The Residential Tenancy Authority (RTA) provides important details about the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords under the Residential Tenancies Act 1994 if your property has been damaged or is non-liveable.
For more information and assistance visit www.rta.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 366 311
Building and repairs
The Building Services Authority (BSA) offers residents, builders and trade contractors information and advice on rebuilding and repairing damaged homes.
The BSA Disaster Recovery website offers a number of guides including a:
• Homeowner’s guide to rebuilding after a natural disaster
• Health and safety checklist
• Contractor’s guide for restoring a house after a natural disaster
For more information, visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 272 272
Beware of shonks and scams
After natural disasters salespeople will promote home or property maintenance services. While they may be legitimate businesses, some may be scammers.
Ask the trader for proof of identity such as a company identification card or drivers licence.
Take down details for your reference and also note their vehicle’s registration. If the person is selling home maintenance services, ask them for details of other clients so that you can check to see that they were happy with the service provided.
Do not agree to offers or deals straight away. Under the terms of the Fair Trading Act, you are entitled to a cooling off period of 10 days. Read all the terms and conditions of any offer carefully.
For more information on possible scams, contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
To check if a tradesman is licensed to perform the type of work you need, visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au
For information on how the SES can help you visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au
Glimpse at Available Grants
COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT - you can claim both Commonwealth and State grants – Ph: 180 22 66 or www.communites.qld.gov.au
Disaster Income Recovery
Fortnightly payment for loss of income
Lodge by 28 February 2011
Disaster Recovery Payment
If you were affected by flooding e.g. home damaged, stranded, without power
One off payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT - Ph: 1800 173 349 or 1300 222 612
Personal Hardship Assistance
If you experience financial difficulty
$170 per person, maximum$850 per family
Essential Household Contents
Means tested
$1,705 per person, maximum $5,120 per family
Structural Assistance Grant
Means tested
$10,500 per person, maximum $14,200 per family
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL – Ph: 3403 8888
Water Rebate
One off rebate on water bill
SLICE PIZZA OFFER - FREE PIZZA for West Enders from flooded addresses
You will need to be able to pick up from 94 Boundary Street, West End and present your ID with address to establish residency.