Intense Storms Bring Flooding and Rescues in South-East Queensland

Intense thunderstorms unleashed heavy rainfall and flash flooding across south-east Queensland, resulting in multiple swiftwater rescues and widespread property damage. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) conducted 13 swiftwater rescues throughout the night, assisting residents trapped in rising floodwaters. One of the heavily affected areas was Moreton Bay’s Bray Park where homes were inundated overnight. Residents woke up to find water flowing into their houses, and some had to be evacuated. In total, 14 schools remain closed today due to the storm’s impact.

Steven Miles, in a meeting with state disaster coordinator Shane Chelepy, provided updates on the severe rainfall in the south-east. He revealed that areas like Morayfield and parts of the Moreton Bay region had been severely affected, with flash flooding anticipated to worsen. Road conditions were dangerous, and motorists were advised to avoid flooded routes. Additionally, the Lockyer Valley town of Laidley experienced flooding after a local creek broke its banks. Aerial footage of the town revealed widespread inundation of businesses and properties.

During a visit to Townsville with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Miles announced a $70 million investment to establish a major hydrogen hub. The initiative aims to capitalize on clean energy opportunities and create jobs in the region. Albanese emphasized the significance of transitioning to a green energy economy that focuses on renewable resources, such as green hydrogen.

Following the heavy rainfall, Brisbane City Council announced additional aerial spraying of mosquito breeding sites. A helicopter will spray affected areas, such as wetlands, airports, and creeks. Although the rate of mosquito-borne diseases is relatively low this year compared to previous years, cases of Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and dengue fever have still been reported.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Patch Clapp provided updated information on the rainfall totals, indicating that parts of south-east Queensland experienced over 300 millimeters of rain in the past 24 hours. Among the hardest-hit areas were Samford Valley and Caboolture. Clapp warned of slow-moving rain and urged residents to remain vigilant, as similar weather conditions were expected within the next 24 hours.

In another development, a 22-year-old man from Goodna was arrested in Darra and charged with 16 offenses related to a shooting incident in Brisbane CBD over the weekend. The man is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court, alongside two other individuals who have already been charged with attempted murder in connection with the targeted attack.

Swiftwater rescue crews were dispatched to multiple areas, including Moreton Bay, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, and Darling Downs, as heavy rain persisted. Residents in Forest Hill and Laidley were warned of potential flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Seqwater’s flood operations center has been placed on alert activation, with potential releases from the Somerset Dam into Wivenhoe Dam in the coming days. The volume of rain received will determine if releases from North Pine and Wivenhoe dams will be necessary.

A comparison of Queensland’s road safety performance, as indicated by a national survey, revealed mixed results despite steady fatality rates. While the percentage of drivers speeding above the limit and driving possibly under the influence increased slightly, there was a reduction in the number of people not wearing seat belts. However, concerns over speeding drivers and hooning in neighborhoods increased, as did feelings of insecurity at night.