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Flood Update from Dalby Mon 10th January

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Voice Report with Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Ray Brown

Western Downs Mayor Ray Brown this morning has advised that the ongoing flood conditions in the Dalby area have not affected residents normal drinking water supply.

I am pleased to report that the town’s water supply is now operating pretty much as routine.

Residents who are connected to the local supply can rest assured that the drinking water supply has not been impacted and potable water is available as normal.

The Dalby bulk supply is currently maintaining its sufficient output to supply the town.”

Cr Brown however reminds residents that Level Six restrictions remain in place.

Residents need to restrict water consumption to 100 litres per person per day which means essential uses such as drinking and showering only, no outside watering and unfortunately no flood clean up.”

For information or flood assistance, contact the Dalby Disaster Management Coordination Centre on 4662 6666.

Evacuations Needed Again In Dalby

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Following heavy rain today (Sun 11th January) in the Myall Creek catchment, authorities in Dalby are preparing for flooding in the town. At least a 3 metre peak is anticipated in Myall Creek in Dalby by 6.00am Monday.

Residents in at risk locations are being recommended to self-evacuate to the Dalby Showgrounds. People with vehicles, caravans etc parked along Myall Creek should move them to higher ground as soon as possible.

Statement by Western Downs Regional Mayor, Ray Brown (10pm Sunday)

Dalby’s Disaster Management Co-ordination Centre has been reactivated,  and anyone requiring flood information or assistance should phone 4662 6666

Governor General Visits Flood Devastated Towns

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Australia’s Governor-General, Quentin Bryce has made a special visit to the Western Downs today spending time with flood affected residents in Condamine and Chinchilla.

Western Downs Regional Mayor Ray Brown said that the Governor-General and Mr Michael Bryce’s visit had greatly lifted the spirits of those hit the hardest by the worst flooding the region has seen in recent history.
Her Excellency took the time to personally meet with residents and business owners who have endured extreme flood conditions and are now showing incredible strength of character to rebuild what they have lost.
The Governor-General’s visit was a real boost to morale where it’s needed the most,” Mayor Brown said.

The Governor-General’s party was joined by Federal Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott to view flood damage to properties and infrastructure in Condamine and Chinchilla as well as the region’s expansive road network. Ms Bryce and Mr Bryce were touched by the stories shared with them and expressed their support for our region as it begins the rebuilding process,” Cr Brown said.

Her Excellency also spoke with emergency services staff and community volunteers who have been on-the-ground throughout the disaster effort and gave sincere thanks to all involved.

The visit provided a welcome relief to what has been a traumatic week for our region and Council thanks Her Excellency for showing her support in this time of need,” he said.

Local Disaster Coordination Centres have been overwhelmed by a flood of offers and donations. The Mayor, Cr Ray Brown said items will be needed shortly and asks those wishing to donate furniture to wait until items of need can be identified.

Due to the numerous donations pouring in to support flood victims Council has established a Flood Disaster Trust Fund and is accepting cash donations on 07 4662 6666.

Lifeline in Dalby and Chinchilla are accepting donations of household furniture and advise that no clothing is required.

HMAS Melbourne Disrupts Pirate Attack in Arabian Sea

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Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Melbourne has disrupted a pirate attack on a tanker in the Arabian Sea.

HMAS Melbourne steamed to the aid of the UK-flagged chemical tanker MV CPO China, which had been boarded by pirates in the Arabian Sea at approximately 1.45pm Bahrain time on Monday, 3 January.
When initially alerted to the incident HMAS Melbourne was approximately 267kms north of the MV CPO China but was able to cover that distance in just over six hours.

The crew of MV CPO China had successfully secured themselves in the ship’s citadel (an anti-pirate stronghold) from where they could maintain satellite communications and control the ship. The engine controls and steering equipment for the tanker are located in the citadel.

While steaming to the aid of the MV CPO China, HMAS Melbourne’s helicopter launched and on arrival in the vicinity of MV CPO China was able to deter the pirates from attempting to take control of the ship. As a result the pirates aborted the attack and left the vessel when HMAS Melbourne arrived on the scene.

HMAS Melbourne’s boarding party embarked on Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), and conducted a boarding of tanker CPO China to secure the vessel.

This is a terrific example of how Australia’s maritime contribution to the Middle East Area of Operations provides another layer of security for the region and to the conduct of trade and suppression of criminal activities,” said the Commander of Joint Task Force 633, Major General John Cantwell.

One of our objectives for operations in the Middle East is to assist the efforts of the international community in reducing acts of piracy. Our men and women aboard HMAS Melbourne deserve recognition for their role in providing maritime security and countering piracy in the Arabian Sea.

This is one of those occasions where their efforts have become highly visible,” he said.

Operation SLIPPER is Australia’s military contribution to the international campaign against terrorism, maritime security in the Middle East Area of Operations and countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST

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The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, in his capacity as Acting Minister for Defence, has visited the newly established Headquarters Joint Task Force 637 (JTF637) which is conducting Operation Queensland Flood Assist.

Mr Snowdon received briefings from the ADF Commander, Colonel Luke Foster, and his team on the scope of support which the ADF is providing to the Queensland Government-led flood rescue and relief efforts.

Three Blackhawk helicopters  from 5th Aviation Regiment, Townsville, have been providing flood relief assistance to Emerald since New Years Eve, through the evacuation of 56 people, air dropping of medical supplies, evacuation of patients from the Emerald hopsital and the dropping of 42 tonnes of food and general supplies to isolated areas. As the situation in Emerald has impoved, the aircraft are now relocating to Rockhampton in anticipation of further flood relief operations.

A25-40 Blackhawk helicopters from 5 Aviation Regiment Detachment, Townsville, depart Emerald Airport for Rockhampton (Photograph by Corporal (CPL) Janine Fabre).

Additionally, a RAAF C-130 Hercules has been providing relief to the people of central Queensland by delivering temporary accommodation and groceries to flood victims over the past few days. Deep Caption: Operation Queensland Flood Assistance is the ADF’s contribution to the whole-of-government flood rescue and relief efforts, which was initiated in response to the devastating Christmas floods experienced by central Queensland.

The scale of devastation experienced by the people of central Queensland as a result of these floods saddens me,” Mr Snowdon said, but in times of crises Australians are renowned for pulling together to help each other out and I note that this crisis is no exception”.

Defence will continue to operate closely with Queensland Emergency Services to provide subject matter expertise, planning and coordination of the ADF support to the civil led flood response.

Local Toowoomba Artist Exhibits at Crow’s Nest Regional Art Gallery

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During the month of January, Crow’s Nest Regional Art Gallery will be showcasing works from local Toowoomba artist Chantel Schott.

This will be Chantel’s first solo exhibition at the gallery and she has put together a montage of paintings that are innovative, quirky and bright.

The Lost Imaginarium

The Lost Imaginarium will run from 4 – 30 January 2011.  The exhibition will be officially opened by Beverley Bloxham on Sunday 9 January at 11am. All welcome and refreshments will be served.

The Crow’s Nest Regional Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 11.30 to 4pm located on the New England Highway in Crow’s Nest.

For further information about the exhibition please call the gallery on 4698 1687 or visit the artist’s website www.chantelschott.daportfolio.com

Defence Establishes Wider Support to Queensland Flood Disaster

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In response to the deepening flood crisis in Queensland, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has established a Joint Task Force (JTF) for the conduct of Operation QUEENSLAND FLOOD ASSIST.

JTF 637 was established on New Year’s Day, under the command of Colonel Luke Foster, an experienced Army officer. In order to provide the best possible support to the Queensland Government in their response to the flood crisis, Colonel Foster’s headquarters has been established at Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera in Brisbane.

The ADF has already provided support to State and Federal emergency management agencies by assisting with the evacuation of people from the towns of Theodore, Emerald and Condamine, as well as providing emergency food drops and medical supplies to Queensland people isolated by the flood waters.

JTF 637 will control the helicopters and units already supporting the Queensland emergency management agency, including the three Army Black Hawk helicopters operating around Emerald.

Additionally, a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules yesterday successfully delivered a ‘flexible habitat’, a purpose built temporary accommodation module, which is now being used by the people of Emerald.

The ADF will continue to review the situation in coordination with Emergency Management Queensland and provide a commensurate level of support within available resources.

Dalby Town Water Supply Critically Low

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Due to a spike in water consumption Dalby’s water supply is now critically low and at risk of being depleted before the flooded Water Treatment Plant is recommissioned.

Residents are restricted to emergency household use only – Drinking, Toilets and Showering.

No evaporative air conditioners, no outside watering and no flood clean up.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor, Ray Brown

Residents in need of assistance for flood clean up can call the Western Downs Local Disaster Coordination Centre as alternative sources are available to assist in clean up efforts.

Residents are asked to use alternative water sources were possible such as rain water, bore water or bottled water.

An Emergency SMS Alert was sent to residents Friday afternoon.

Kerri Anderson, Strategy and Communications Manager
Western Downs Regional Council

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