The Bundaberg community has come together today to commemorate the incredible effort of the police, SES, firies, ambulance officers and community volunteers a decade on from the 2013 floods.
In January 2013 a record 9.5m flood ripped through Bundaberg leaving a trail of destruction and despair.
The quick rising water tore homes apart, cut off evacuation routes, and stranded people and their pets on roofs.
Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli reflected on the devastating 2013 floods and remembered the strong Queensland spirit.
“Bundaberg had just endured the worst flood in a generation and the people there were hurting,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“We made it our priority to not only ensure people received assistance as efficiently and quickly as possible, but we also immediately started to build resilience for the future.
“I remember the immense courage and generosity of the Bundaberg community that banded together to rebuild.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the flood and weather systems damaged almost 3000 properties, 600 businesses, and made 7000 people evacuate.
“Standing here at the Botanic Gardens 10 years ago, we would be under four meters of water,” he said.
“It’s hard to picture the volume of water that ripped through, taking homes, cars, and belongings with it.
“But the image that remains clear, is that of the Bundaberg Community coming together to rescue, support and recover.
“People came from everywhere to clear the mud, wash clothes, make sandwiches, look after pets, and rebuild homes.
“The power of water is immense, but the power of people is even stronger.
“Today is about pausing to reflect, honor and thank all the incredible people who helped put the pieces back together.”
Mr Bennett said the community needs a real commitment to flood mitigation projects so they can plan for the future.
“10 years on and we’re yet to see any movement on flood mitigation projects,” he said.
“We’ve had a decade of broken promises and misleading assurances.
“The Palaszczuk Government promised ‘boots on the ground’ years ago. Where are they?
“Directly after the flood, the Newman Government invested $2.4million for two new flood levees, $1.5 million for major stabilization works, $2.2 million to sporting and recreation clubs, and more than $63 million of financial assistance for primary producers and small businesses. All in a couple of months.
“It should not take a decade to flood proof Bundaberg. We deserve better.”
List of projects committed and delivered by the LNP following 2013 floods:
- By October 2013, $486 million of recovery works delivered of out to tender.
- Almost $900 million in transport recovery works in Queensland (partnership with feds)
- $4.2 billion in 2013-2014 budget to rebuild Queensland with $9.3 billion for reconstruction over 3 years.
- $2.4million for two new flood levees in Bundaberg.
- $1.5 million for major stabilization works in Bundaberg.
- $2.2 million to sporting and recreation clubs
- More than $63 million of financial assistance for primary producers and small businesses.
- $300,000 to BRC expand flood warning system
- $148,000 to BRC to install five River Height Stations
Betterment project (joint State and BRC)
- Top waterloo Rd – $56,000
- Miara Rd – $183,000
- Heales Rd – $380,000
- Sheepstation Creek – $168,000
- Coonarr Rd – $126,000
- Barretts Rd – $165,000
- Blacks Rd – $106,000
- Gentle Annie Rd – $160,000
- Gaeta Rd (Northern floodways) – $1,204,000
- Wonbah Rd (Northern Floodways) – $485,000
- Monduran Dam Rd (Northern Floodways) – $241,000
- Marshall Ave (Northern Floodways) – $344,000
- Haldord Dr (Northern Floodways) – $312,000
- Kendalls Flat Weir – $1,945,775
- Kendalls Flat Levee – $467,000