Heavy and constant rainfall across the Ipswich City Council Local Government Area has impacted some everyday services to residents due to localised flooding and safety concerns.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the region had experienced significant rainfall which has delayed waste collection services as well as scheduled maintenance of parks, roadsides and sports fields.
“Heavy rainfall not only impacts maintenance activities at the time, but also means on the days following the ground remains too wet to undertake work,” Mayor Harding said.
“Flooded roads and restricted access to local landfills are also causing serious service disruptions to citywide garbage collection services.
“As a result, some bins will be picked up over the coming days.
“We appreciate this can be frustrating, and we ask for the community’s patience while our teams undertake the city’s day to day services as best we can.”
The wet weather has caused localised flooding across the city and forced dozens of roads to be temporarily closed.
“Heavy rain can cause flash flooding that can turn roads into rapids before you know it,” Mayor Harding said.
“There is never an excuse to cross a flooded road. If it’s flooded, forget it.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced driver, if the person before you got through, or you think you know the road and what your car can do, even a small amount of floodwater can wash your vehicle away.”
City of Ipswich Local Disaster Management Group Deputy Chairperson Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said residents should prepare a household emergency plan and an emergency kit, as it could save their lives.
“Summer storms and the La Nina weather cycle we are currently experiencing means extreme weather conditions over the next few months are possible,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“With more than a dozen waterways in Ipswich that can swell after heavy rainfall, like we have seen this week, the best time for residents to be prepared is before disaster strikes.
“I encourage residents to take a look at information on the Emergency Management pages on council’s website that can help them best prepare for an emergency or natural disaster.”
Council will continue to monitor weather forecasts and Bureau of Meteorology reports as well as monitoring local conditions and community feedback to determine whether these sites remain open tomorrow, or if additional sites need to be opened.
For the most up-to-date road closures, weather and disaster information, visit https://disaster.ipswich.qld.gov.au
For assistance with leaking roofs, damage to your property or debris blocking your property, call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.
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