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| Brisbane River at Indooroopily during January 2011 flood. |
Two years after floodwaters submerged thousands of Brisbane homes and businesses, and damaged public infrastructure worth millions, the council says most of the rebuilding work is complete.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced on Sunday that the city would soon be back to normal after about 22,000 homes and 7600 businesses were flooded on January 13, 2011.
There was also about $400 million worth of damage to public infrastructure including parks, footpaths, bridges and stormwater drains.
Even the iconic Suncorp Stadium was flooded with waters up to two metres deep, reaching the third and fourth rows of seats.
Thousands of Queenslanders then banded together to form the Mud Army, which worked together to clean up the city.
Prime Minister Julie Gillard said in a statement published in The Courier-Mail on Saturday the Mud Army must never be forgotten, and announced that the federal government would fund a statue in their honour.
"Their story is inspirational. Their contribution, generosity and determination will always be remembered as a bright light during Queensland's darkest days," Ms Gillard said.
Mr Quirk said on Sunday that after years of work by the council and volunteers, the recovery process is almost complete.
"When the floodwaters receded two years ago we were staring down the barrel of a $400 million damage bill and it was certainly a daunting task," Cr Quirk said in a statement.
"We owe a lot to the men and women who have worked tirelessly for council and other organisations over the last two years to get us to this position."
"I'd like to thank them from the bottom of my heart on behalf of all Brisbane residents."
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