Three Quarters of Queensland Disaster Declared

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

The Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh has today declared three quarters of Queensland a disaster zone.

The southern part of Queensland has been declared a disaster situation as the state continues to respond to one of the most intense flooding events in its history.

The Premier said the various declarations were in response to tragic events overnight as well as new and renewed flood peaks expected in the coming days.

“The declaration of a disaster situation gives our police and emergency personnel authority to evacuate members of the public as necessary to ensure the preservation of life and property,” the Premier said.

“This flood event continues to develop and change at a frightening pace.

“As more rain continues to fall, local and state-level disaster management personnel are working to ensure the preparedness and safety of the community.

“I am determined to ensure these personnel have every power they need to minimise the loss of life and property.”

Premier Bligh said it was important residents in the disaster areas kept up-to-date with the latest developments on the flooding event and took heed of warnings from police and other emergency services agencies.

“We have seen overnight just how quickly rain can fall and a wall of water can rush through creeks and gullies,” the Premier said.

“Tragically, we have seen lives lost as a result of the flooding we are experiencing.

“We do not want to see any further loss of life so I am urging everyone to ensure they keep abreast of developments and to take every precaution possible.”

Disaster declarations had been made for the Brisbane, Bundaberg, Dalby, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Logan, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Roma, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Warwick and Redcliffe disaster districts.

ENDS

© Scoop Media