Flood damage assessment and quick recovery actions are underway after the city’s second flood in less than three months.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said important fixes such as the Lobb Street Bridge at One Mile were started by council as a priority once floodwaters began to recede.
“It is great news that this vital link in our city will be up and running this week, weather permitting,” Mayor Harding said.
“A lot of our road network has been damaged from the flood and ongoing rain, and council is working hard on repairs and potholes. Please drive with caution while crews attend the many jobs across the city.
“Flood releases from Somerset Dam and Wivenhoe Dam are also continuing this week. Colleges Crossing, Burtons Bridge and Kholo Bridge remain inundated and Mt Crosby Weir remains closed.”
Lobb Street Bridge in One Mile was damaged by recent floodwaters.
Mayor Harding said while the May flood peaked at major levels in Rosewood and Grandchester, and approached major levels in the CBD, it had not led to the home inundations.
“It highlights that every flood is different,” Mayor Harding said.
“Many of those initial recovery services set up in the aftermath of the March flood event have now ceased or are now providing support through business-as-usual arrangements.
“The free flood waste collection provided by council is one of the services that has now concluded.
“But we know for many whose homes and businesses were impacted by the March flood that this is has been a traumatic event and requires ongoing and long-term recovery.”
“In particular we know insurance, housing and rebuilding continue to be front of mind in Ipswich’s flood affected communities.”
Flooding at Jim Finimore Oval at One Mile, Ipswich.
Mayor Harding said council continues to work closely with a range of services to ensure our community is supported and can recover from the flood event, including Queensland Government housing and homelessness services, Community Recovery, GIVIT, Lifeline and Salvation Army.
“These services are working tirelessly to support flood impacted residents and this will be ongoing,” Mayor Harding said.
Mayor Harding said residents struggling with insurance issues could raise those directly with the Insurance Council of Australia via the ICA website.
Mayor Harding said Ipswich was also included in several Queensland Government and Commonwealth Government funding assistance measures announced to support flood-affected communities.
“We encourage businesses, community groups and individuals to apply as soon as possible as applications for many of these recovery funding opportunities will be closing soon,” Mayor Harding said.
“Ipswich residents whose homes were damaged by the March floods can register with the State Government to access grants to raise, repair, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back under the $741 million Resilient Homes Fund.”
Council is undertaking a review of the February flood event, with further details to be made public soon.
If you have been impacted by the flood or have been helping others and need emotional support, it can be accessed through Lifeline’s crisis support by calling 13 11 14.
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery
A range of support and information is also available for Ipswich businesses impacted by recent rainfall and floods.
Visit Business Ipswich for information to help you get back on your feet.
Council has partnered with GIVIT to manage all offers of donated goods and services, including corporate offers of assistance, after disasters. To see what is needed or to donate, please visit GIVIT.org.au and look for the Storms and Flooding Appeal.
Members of the public can donate through www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding with 100 per cent of donated funds received by GIVIT going to affected communities.
