Large bales of hay were moved around paddocks like corks near Rosewood during the flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: LYLE RADFORD
TWO council reports were delivered to council last week analysing the extent of damage wrought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March.
The event dumped 250mm of rain across the region in seven days and the Bremer River peaked just below the “major” flood level, at 11.47m on March 10.
Thirty-five private residences were damaged with those affected seeking financial assistance under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Five sporting sites were affected. More than 680 potholes were repaired and there was also damage to conservation estates, rivers and creeks.
Some communities were more affected than others, with flooding in low-lying areas and power outages hitting about 22 suburbs.
As of early April, there were no remaining road or bridge closures, and 90 percent of the unsealed road network had been repaired.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairman Jim Madden said 56 parks were inspected and found to have suffered infrastructure damage.
“In our conservation estates, there were 26 reports of damage, six were minor and 20 moderate,” he said.
“Bremer River, Gladstone Road Reserve and Cribb Park revegetation sites sustained erosion and sedimentation damage and loss of plants.
“Woogaroo Creek, Bremer River and Bundamba Creek project sites were affected.
“Of the private property damage assessments that were undertaken, 355 reported no damage, 32 minor and three moderate.”
Council manages and or activates 287 playing spaces across 47 locations, totalling 105 fields – council identified 12 sites deemed as being at high risk of significant damage caused by rising waters.
“Only five sites were impacted because of ex-TC Alfred, Community and Sport Committee Chairman Jacob Madsen said.
“They were Jim Finimore, Leichhardt; Rotary Park, Bundamba; Anzac Park, Rosewood; and Ivor Marsden Sports Complex, Amberley; and Sams Reserve, Redbank Plains,” he said.
“Jim Finimore, Rotary and Anzac Parks saw all fields under water with peak levels falling just short of the main club house facilities. The Ivor Marsden Sports Complex had partial field flooding resulting in damage to the fence line on Baxter Oval only, with the turf block remaining fit for play.
“About 300m of the chain link fence line at Rotary Park was damaged that will require replacement. Electrical supply was interrupted to all sites resulting in the loss of power to tower lights, with minimal impact to club houses and associated infrastructure.”
Sixteen clubs requested council assistance with repairs.
Reported damage included building leaks, blocked drains, tripped switch boards, foliage debris, potholes and torn shade sails.
The council will apply for Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets funding for financial aid with final costs of the weather event to still be finalised.
