Disaster review process has Ipswich 'at the ready'

Councillor Cheryl Bromage

IPSWICH'S head of infrastructure Councillor Cheryl Bromage says lessons from the 2011 flood and other recent natural disasters highlighted the need for specific disaster management plans for Ipswich's regional communities.

Cr Bromage said the city had never been better prepared for a natural disaster.

"As part of council's review of the Ipswich City Local Disaster Management Plan (LDMP), Local Area Plans will be created for communities that could become isolated from essential goods and services in the event of another flood," Cr Bromage said.

"Now that locations at risk have been identified, the next stage will be to prioritise the development of these plans.

"Evacuation routes and the location of emergency centres will be examined as part of this review."

Cr Bromage said council had been working to ensure the LDMP was user-friendly and aligned with best practice disaster planning principles.

She said the council was not the lead agency for events other than floods, but would work in tandem with other agencies during incidents such as bushfires.

Cr Bromage said the council had been working with the agencies such as the State Emergency Service, the Australian Red Cross and Emergency Management Queensland on these plans.

She said the 2011 flood had highlighted the need for further work to be undertaken in emergency management planning in Ipswich. "We have taken the opportunity to look at issues raised during the flood and further refine our plans for all types of emergencies," she said.

"Events which council has made preparations for include a severe thunderstorm or electrical storm, a critical infrastructure failure, an extreme high temperature event, a hazardous material accident, a major fire and prolonged drought.

"Council is committed to doing everything it can to ensure that adequate plans are in place."

www.QT.com.au

14.11.12

Boost for flood victims as broadband fibre laid in Goodna

Shayne Neumann, Paul Tully, Bernie Ripoll, Paul Rees
and Stephen Conroy laying the first cable of the
national broadband neetwork in Goodna.

MORE than 14,000 homes and businesses across the Western Corridor will have access to the National Broadband Network (NBN) early next year.

Federal Minister for Broadband Stephen Conroy helped install the first fibre on Mair Drive at Goodna last Tuesday.

He announced fibre was also being installed at Gailes, Collingwood Park, Redbank Plains, Augustine Heights and Bellbird Park.

Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully said after suffering in the 2011 floods, Goodna and surrounding suburbs deserved NBN.

"We lost 600 homes in the flood and the decision to commit to the rollout in Goodna is really great for the suburb," he said.

"The NBN rollout is a fantastic boost for the suburb."

Federal Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll said it was a "truly historical and momentous" occasion, creating many opportunities for the area.

"Not just for local families but also for surrounding schools such as Goodna State School and St Francis Xavier's School who may be able to use technologies like this in the near future," he said.

"The NBN will give Queenslanders access to faster, more reliable broadband at affordable prices, with services starting from as little as $30 a month, with no additional line rental, for a better service.

"High-definition videoconferencing means that kids may be able to take classes that their local school doesn't offer, and people will be able to consult with medical specialists from around the country, without travelling long distances.

"The ability to send and receive big files almost instantly means businesses that previously had to stay in capital cities can set up anywhere, which means opportunities for Queensland and jobs for Queenslanders."

www.TheSatellite.com.au

20.11.12

Brisbane floods inspire new play

29 November 2012,
by Spencer Howson

Left: Claire Stevens and Clark Crystal.
Image by Spencer Howson/612 ABC Brisbane.

A new play opens in Brisbane at the Judith Wright Centre today.

'Flood Country' takes inspiration from both the 1974 and 2011 floods in Brisbane and is performed by a cast of performers who have disabilities.

It tells the story of two estranged siblings who meet again thanks to the mud army.

Clark Crystal is the writer and director of 'Flood Country' and also artistic director of Blue Roo Theatre Company.

And Claire Stevens is one of the performers.

Wivenhoe dam engineer may escape trial



John Ruffini

A DAM engineer who allegedly worked while unregistered during Queensland's disastrous 2011 floods may not face trial.

John Lawrence Ruffini, 47, is being prosecuted by the state's Board of Professional Engineers on a charge of "carrying out a professional engineering service when not a registered engineer". Mr Ruffini worked as a flood operations engineer for Brisbane's Wivenhoe dam during the floods crisis in January 2011.

He was charged in September.

During a brief mention in the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, Magistrate John McGrath was told the parties had been negotiating and had "tentatively" agreed on a schedule of facts.

Mr McGrath agreed to adjourn the case for two weeks, after Mr Ruffini's defence lawyer said the parties were hopeful the matter could be resolved within that time, avoiding a trial.

 Mr Ruffini did not appear and Mr McGrath listed the matter for a mention on November 28 in the same court.

The operation of the dams during the crisis was a key focus of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry, led by Commissioner Cate Holmes, which found Wivenhoe operators had not escalated their flood mitigation strategy as required by the dam manual.

www.TheAustralian.com.au

14.11.12

2011 Flood sequel: Ipswich parents of nine children steal $7000 in flood grants

AN IPSWICH couple ripped off $7000 in emergency flood grants after making a fake claim saying they had been affected.

Taioala and Mina Vaivai, parents of nine children, were spared from the disaster, but made an application to get money from the funds provided to people who had lost everything.

Their application was initially rejected, but the couple refused to give up.

In February last year at Redbank, the couple lodged sworn affidavits saying their house had been flooded and they were desperate.

The father Taioala, 60, received $2000 from the public purse, while wife Mina, 56, was granted $5000.

Prosecutor Senior Constable Adam McDonald said it was "serious high level offending".

"The government allocated money to people who had lost everything," Snr Const McDonald said. "The courts today should and do [consider] this as serious high level offending."

Magistrate Michael Quinn told the couple they should be thoroughly ashamed of taking advantage of other people's tragedy.

"You took advantage of the hardship, stress and trauma others endured when you hadn't suffered in that way," Mr Quinn said.

"You were initially refused, but that didn't deter you as you went on to make false declarations to get paid, which I regard as an aggravating feature.

"You persisted to take advantage of other people's suffering and commit fraud against Queensland people."

Since the fraud the Vaivais have paid back $1200 to the government and could have paid more but were hindered after using the cash for a trip overseas to attend the funeral of a family member.

Taioala was sentenced to three months prison, wholly suspended for 12 months, while Mina was sentenced to six months wholly suspended for 15 months.

Both where ordered to pay the remaining $5800 restitution to the department.

The pair's defence said Mina was dedicated to caring for her children and her sick husband and both were extremely remorseful and ashamed about their actions.

He said Taioala used to be a property officer at Mt Ommaney police station, but was forced to resign after a stroke in 2004.

Neither defendant had any criminal record beforehand.

www.QT.com.au

30.11.12

Pollies demand tough action on Ipswich flood cheats

Human Services minister Kim Carr (left) chats with
Community recovery "Green Army" member
Con Kapoulas, MP Shayne Neumann
and Ipswich Centrelink manager
Tony Pereraat a morning tea to
thank staff for their effort during
the 2011 flood.

FLOOD cheats should be hit with the full force of the law but most Ipswich residents do the right thing.

That was the word from Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr and Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann when they visited the Ipswich Human Services Centre yesterday to present a Certificate of Commendation to staff and praise the "green army" for their outstanding service and response efforts during the 2011 floods.

The QT has covered numerous stories on people who illegally claimed flood relief, with around 1000 cases now before the courts, and when asked about that situation both Mr Carr and Mr Neumann said culprits should be dealt with and prosecuted.

"They should be punished to the full extent possible," Mr Neumann said. "I think it is a disgrace and disgusting that people would take the opportunity during times of crisis in our community to exploit that for their own financial gain illegally ... when their fellow Australians are suffering so much."

Mr Neumann said "99 per cent' of people do the right thing and Mr Carr added that "the overwhelming majority of people are honest in their dealings".

"But in any system there are always some people who will rip off other people and they should be dealt with as they have been and prosecuted in accordance with the law," Mr Carr said.

Mr Neumann said, "the dark green angels of Centrelink were there in their dark green community recovery T-shirts with their ipads giving out money through the disaster relief arrangements so that money was getting into people's bank accounts at the height of the flood for food, clothing and household needs.

"There were 3000 homes and hundreds of businesses inundated in the Ipswich region and we had dozens of people from Centrelink on the ground knocking on people's doors providing counsel, relief and assistance when it was needed."

Mr Neumann and Mr Carr also announced yesterday that the Department of Human Services Agent will increase its opening hours from 17.5 to 19 hours in the Somerset Region.

www.QT.com.au

13.11.12

Bundamba Naval Association has nowhere to keep memorabilia if evicted from former Blackstone State School

Bill Krause and Kurt Geipel from Bundamba Naval Association

Bundamba Naval Association survived the floods, but now faces a struggle to stay afloat.

The group moved into the former Blackstone State School after its old office at the Goodna RSL function centre was destroyed in the 2011 floods. Publicity of its plight led to donations of memorabilia pouring in.

The association is one of three groups now facing eviction on January 10 after the State Government decided to dispose of the historic school.

Bundamba Naval Association's Bill Krause said members had been offered office space at the rebuilt Goodna RSL function centre, but all the group's memorabilia would not fit there.

"If we hadn't found this (school), we wouldn't have invested or accepted all the donations,'' he said.

"Now we are in a dilemma. If we have to move and we can't find something comparable in size or the facilities, then we have to go to the expense of either storing this stuff somewhere or giving it away.''

Mr Krause said because the members were in their ``senior years'', they would have to pay removalists to shift furniture and memorabilia.

"The funds we have set aside to do welfare work would be chewed up by having to pay for removal and resettlement. It doesn't come out of thin air. We are a non-profit organisation, so we rely on this sort of environment to survive.''

Mr Krause said it was disappointing discussions between the groups and the State Government appeared to have shut down.

 

www.CourierMail.com.au

 

23.11.12

 

Good news for Ipswich and Goodna: Location-based emergency alerts available this summer

AUSTRALIAN emergency services battling natural disasters will have access to world-first technology this summer.

Authorities will have the ability to send location-based text messages to mobile phones in the event of emergencies.

Federal Attorney-General Nicola Roxon talked about the technology on Thursday during her visit to Goodna, which was devastated by the 2011 floods.

The Federal Government put up $60 million to develop the Emergency Alert.

Victoria led the work on behalf of the Commonwealth and all states and territories.

But it will only be Telstra customers will have access to the system this season, with Vodafone and Optus to follow next year.

Unlike the old alert system the new technology, which is location-based, will allow for holidaymakers to receive alerts.

"Getting emergency warnings out effectively during a disaster is absolutely critical," Ms Roxon said.

"In a world first, emergency text messages will be sent out to mobile phones based on where that phone is, as well as its registered address.

"After all, mobile phones are mobile. This update will help emergency services to get warnings to the right people at the right time in the right place."

Ms Roxon stressed the text messaging system was not designed to replace other emergency warnings issued on radio, TV, websites, but was instead another means of keeping people informed during emergencies.

The Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll was also in Goodna yesterday, and said the new technology had the potential to save lives.

"The Queensland floods taught us all about the importance of getting the right information out to people as soon as possible," Mr Ripoll said.

"This upgrade will mean mobile phone users will be able to get these warnings if they're in a disaster area - this system won't only rely upon their registered address."

Telstra, which signed up as the first carrier for the system in January, is currently completing final testing to the system, which is expected to be ready for use next month.

www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au

15.11.12

Goodna Flood victim Carl Wilmott trounces RACQ Insurance

RACQ urges quick claims after weekend storms

 

RACQ today urged affected policyholders to lodge claims arising from the weekend's gstorms as soon as possible.

"RACQ is operating its 24-hour hotline, 13 72 02, for customers to lodge claims directly over the phone with no forms to fill out," RACQ Executive Manager Insurance Communications Mike Sopinski said.

"RACQ Insurance has already received more than 200 households claims and more than 150 motor claims, with many more expected over the next few days.

"The sooner customers lodge their claims, the sooner we can arrange for the assessment of storm damaged property.

"At this stage RACQ has received claims relating to both home and car damage'' Mr Sopinski said.

"We are seeing damage to homes from falling tree branches, hail, and wind damage from flying debris. We are also being notified of water entering homes through roofs as a result of clogged gutters and downpipes and damage to sheds and out buildings.  

"It's far too early to put an estimate on the value of claims as the extent of damage to property is still developing and we expect to receive additional customer claims over the next few days.

"As soon as possible after customers lodge a claim with us, RACQ assessing staff will be on the ground to assess damage to cars and homes, so that we can commence the repair process."

"RACQ policyholders with damage to their car or home should phone RACQ on our 24-hour telephone number 13 72 02 for immediate claims service.

"Due to the widespread storm damage and the number of calls for assistance we anticipate, we ask that customers please be patient when calling RACQ," he said.

www.racq.com.au

19.11.12

COMMENT:  Given their woeful performance after the 2011 flood, RACQ Insurance is obviously trying to build some credibility with their apparent "consumer friendly" approach to building and vehicle damage claims. 

Prudent consumers should never forget how thousands of ordinary Brisbane and Ipswich policy holders were denied payouts by RACQ Insurance in the aftermath of the devastating flood of 11 January 2011. 

Their actions should never be forgotten and current RACQ Insurance policy holders should seriously consider cancelling their policies and people shopping for insurance should simply avoid RACQ Insurance in protest at the company's actions.

RACQ's insult to the people of Goodna in particular will be embedded in people's minds for many decades to come.

 

No Wivenhoe Dam release says Minister

 

Wivenhoe Dam

 

WATER will not be released yet from Brisbane's Wivenhoe Dam to help protect the city from potential wet season flooding.

Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle says although the dam is 96.5 per cent full, its dedicated flood mitigation compartment, which can hold 1.42 million megalitres of water, is empty.

The dam's operation was the focus of the final sitting of the Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry, when the former government's water utilities minister was grilled on why water wasn't released before the devastating 2010-11 floods hit.

Mr McArdle said the latest advice from the weather bureau is that this summer's wet season will not see the strong La Nina conditions that led to the 2010-11 flood disasters.

The decision not to lower the levels at Wivenhoe and North Pine Dam, north of Brisbane, was also based on water supply security, dam operations, public safety, downstream impacts, the public interest and the extent to which a potential flood impact could be mitigated.

Mr McArdle said he would continually review the decision.

Ipswich councillor Paul Tully said the dam should be lowered to 75 per cent and Mr McArdle should stop listening to highly paid, out-of-touch bureaucrats who didn't know what it's like to live through a flood.

"This is a shortsighted decision which adds more risks to residents in flood-prone areas of Ipswich and Brisbane," he said in a statement.

Mr Tully lost his family home at Goodna, along with 600 other families in the area, in the 2011 flood.

 

www.TheAustralian.com.au

 

9.11.12