Emergency Dispatch Vol 4 2014

6
FLOODS, FOODS AND
MORE FLOODS!
March 2010 will go down in the history books as
the time of one of the most extreme
flooding events ever experienced in south-west
Queensland.
In early March a monsoonal low-pressure
system caused prolonged heavy rainfall
resulting in widespread flooding across the
region, isolating communities and leaving more
than 1000 homes and businesses inundated.
The response effort coordinated by Local and
District Disaster Management Groups assisted
by EMQ’s State Disaster Coordination Centre
was remarkable, involving hundreds of people
working extended hours to ensure the safety of
those affected.
EMQ Acting Chief Officer Bruce Grady said this
once-in-a-lifetime flooding event demonstrated
the strong relationships between government
agencies, local councils and members of the
community.
‘Local Disaster Management Groups in the
affected areas were in force from day one
preparing for the worst but hoping for the best,’
Mr Grady said.
‘Communities were warned of the potential
impact and contingency plans were put in place
to ensure ample support was provided during
this time of need.
The community resilience and spirit shone
across each of the western towns, with everyone
pooling together to care for evacuees and assist
with sandbagging and clean up operations.
‘EMQ continues to work together in conjunction
with Local Disaster Management Groups to
provide essential supplies to affected residents.’
The 132 500 SES hotline received more than 950
calls for assistance during the flooding event.
The State Government declared a disaster
situation for Charleville on 2 March after Bradleys
Gully, a creek that runs through the