30 January 2013

Community News
Severe weather update

A message from Lord Mayor Graham Quirk

With the worst of the weekends storm now behind us, our attention turns to helping residents and properties affected by the flood event. As I write this, the Brisbane River is reaching its peak at the Brisbane City gauge. These flood levels will continue through to Friday morning. While the storm did impact our city, we have learnt from past events and have been able to respond quickly and decisively. To complement our Contact Centre, social media has once again been an invaluable tool in providing key information to residents. Brisbane City Councils web presences have also provided flood maps, aggregated information and emergency contact information. Going forward, its all about recovery. Although I acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to be done, Brisbane is operational and open for business. We have proven that once again we are a resilient city during tough times. This is one of the things that makes Brisbane so special. Key statistics (as of writing) more than 147,000 sandbags produced more than 20,000 calls received by the Brisbane City Council Contact Centre more than 110,000 homes and businesses have had power restored 97% of bus services continue to operate Councils transfer stations are open, with free green waste disposal for storm-affected residents 12 million people have seen our tweets 4 million views on Facebook more than 1200 SES calls for assistance were received and more than 700 jobs were completed more than 50 Council rapid response crews worked across the city to assess and organise responses to the severe weather event Council established an evacuation centre at Chandler for displaced residents. My thanks go out to all the volunteers, Council staff, the SES and other organisations involved during the storm event and subsequent flood event. I assure all residents that Council is working towards a swift recovery and clean-up of our city. Graham Quirk LORD MAYOR

Accessing Council information

Council has activated its crisis website, where residents can find the latest information on Brisbanes severe weather, recovery and the status of Council services and facilities. Council encourages residents, where possible, to access Councils website or visit Councils social media channels www.facebook.com/BrisbaneCityCouncil or twitter.com/brisbanecityqld

For the latest information visit Councils website www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3403 8888

Food waste bins for blackout suburbs

With many Brisbane residents still feeling the effects of significant blackouts across the city, Council has placed more than 50 skip bins in key areas of Brisbane affected by power outages to assist residents in the disposal of food waste. These areas include suburbs where power has been out for more than 48 hours. Residents are being asked to heed the signs and only use the skips for food waste, with Council organising other pick ups of green waste, while normal wheelie bin services will continue for general waste. More food waste bins will be placed across Brisbane as needed. Call Council or visit Councils website for the complete list of food bin locations.

Waste disposal
As the city recovers from the severe weather, clean-up efforts are in full swing to ensure our streets return to their clean and green state. To help residents, all Council transfer stations are now open for free tipping of storm-related green waste or general waste. Stations are open from 6.30am to 9.00pm until Sunday 3 February. Council transfer stations are located at: 1560 Nudgee Road, Nudgee 101 Upper Kedron Road, Ferny Grove 360 Sherbrook Road, Willawong 728 Tilley Road, Chandler (opposite the Sleeman Sports Complex).

From Monday 4 February Council will also be collecting storm-damaged green waste. This collection is for storm-damaged green waste only. Residents can place all trees and branches on the kerbside for collection by Sunday afternoon, 3 February.

Public transport
Until roads are repaired and public transport returns to normal operations, residents should allow extra travel time when travelling in and out of the CBD. Full and partial road closures remain in place across the city due to debris, flood waters and fallen power lines. Motorists are advised not to drive through floodwaters or ignore road closure signs. Only 10 of 260 bus services have been affected due to localised flooding. Bus diversions may also be in place due to changing road conditions and flood affected bus stops will be closed. CityCat and Ferry Services remain closed until further notice. We thank commuters for their patience during these temporary service changes. For more information on other public transport including trains visit www.translink.com.au or phone TransLink on 13 12 30. For up to date information on road conditions, visit www.131940.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40.

Insurance Council
Following major flooding through Queensland, the Insurance Council and its members have activated general insurance industry arrangements for the coordination of the recovery effort for insured residents. The insurance hotline is continuing to operate for consumers who have lost insurance papers or have general inquiries and is available on 1300 728 228.

Donations
We have received a tremendous response from the community wanting to assist Brisbane residents impacted by the severe weather by donating essential items. If you would like to donate supplies or items, please contact the charities below directly to seek information on donations currently required and the best way to donate these items.
Givit www.givit.org.au Lifeline 1800 800 768 Red Cross 1300 554 419

Helpful phone numbers

State Emergency Services (SES) Red Cross Queensland Energex (loss of power) 132 500 1300 554 419 13 62 62

Energex (dangerous situation - lines down) 13 19 62 Optus Telstra TransLink 13 13 44 13 22 03 13 12 30

Foodbank (07) 3395 8422 Salvation Army 13 72 58

Pets and animal shelters

If your family pet is missing Council maintains a register of all lost and found animals in Brisbane to help with your search. To search for your pet you can: do an online animal search to see if your lost animal is at a Council animal shelter. If your animal is on the list, claim it as soon as possible. If your lost animal is not listed online you can still contact Council to register your details. check with the animal shelters daily contact RSPCA and local vets contact Council.

Animal shelters
Council has two animal shelters that house homeless, lost or abandoned animals. Locations: Northside: Warra Animal Shelter, 523 Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge Southside: Willawong Animal Shelter, 501 Gooderham Road, Willawong If you find a lost animal, we encourage you to please contact your local vet or Council.

Community Recovery Centre

The Queensland Government Department of Communities has established a community recovery centre. The centre will be based at the Jindalee Catholic Church Hall, 111 Yallambee Road, Jindalee. Recovery centres provide a range of services and advice including counselling, information and referral to other services. They are not evacuation centres. Advice may include insurance, removal of debris, and the type and availability of temporary accommodation. Depending on demand, further centres may be opened in coming days.

School closures
Some Brisbane schools have experienced damage and will remain closed until further notice. For school closure information visit www.qld.gov.au/education/schools/information/pages/closure.html or call the state Department of Employment Education and Training on 13 74 68.

Health and wellbeing

Council urges residents to take care when in storm-affected areas and during clean-up by considering both physical and emotional fatigue. Council are working closely with Lifeline and the Red Cross who can provide support for affected residents. The main health risks while in flood-affected areas include physical injuries such as falls, skin lacerations, snake or spider bites, skin infections, sunburn and mosquito-borne infections. If you or someone you know is distressed and finding it difficult to cope, then seek assistance. Support is available through organisations such as Lifeline and the Red Cross. Lifeline centres maintain a telephone counselling service in addition to providing information, referral and associated services. Phone 13 11 14. The Australian Red Cross has free information on recovering from a disaster and cleaning up after a flood on their website www.redcross.org.au or by phoning 1800 733 111. Help may also be obtained from your general practitioner, local Community Health Centre or local Mental Health Service. Please refer to the White Pages.

Check your vaccination records

Council is reminding residents to take care when in flood-affected areas and ensure that vaccinations are up to date to limit the spread of infection and disease. Make sure your Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B immunity is current by checking your personal vaccination records or calling your doctor. For more information about vaccinations and limiting infection during this period, please contact Queensland Health on 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Bikeways and pathways

Many bikeways and pathways have been affected by water, debris and silt and may also have pavement or railing damage. Some bikeways and pathways are currently closed for assessment, cleaning and repair. Work to restore these services has commenced and Council is asking residents to be patient while we focus on recovery efforts. Cyclist and pedestrian safety is a high priority and residents should make themselves aware of bikeway and pathway closures and alternative routes. A number of ferry terminals have also been closed because of flooding and severe weather. Visit Councils website or phone Council for updates on closures, alternative routes and safety messages.

Sandbag disposal
Council is encouraging residents to assist with the correct disposal of used sandbags. Unused bags may be kept for future weather events and used until they show signs of deterioration. Sandbags are biodegradable so always store undercover where possible. Once bags show signs of deterioration, and if they have not come into contact with oil or other contaminants, bags can be opened and sand scattered on lawns, gardens and other external areas where it will not wash into stormwater drains. Sandbags that have come into contact with flood water should not be used on childrens play areas. Contaminated sandbags that are not able to be emptied will be collected as part of kerbside collections. Please leave them on your kerb by Sunday afternoon, 3 February.

Parks
Heavy rainfall, strong winds and riverside flooding have created potentially hazardous conditions for park users. Please assess the safety of parks and exercise caution before using any equipment. Council resources are currently focused on clearing debris and responding to urgent issues across the city. Council will assess each affected park as soon as possible. Some parks are closed with Council working to ensure they are restored as quickly as possible. Be patient with any disruptions while Council focuses on assessing damage. Please report any damaged parks to Council.

Health tips to consider during the severe weather recovery

Practice high levels of personal hygiene, washing or sanitising hands regularly after handling any water-damaged equipment (especially prior to eating, drinking or smoking). Ensure you maintain hygiene standards after any clean-up activities, such as showering well with antiseptic soaps as flood waters may be contaminated. If you have an open wound, cut or abrasion make sure it is covered with a bandaid/dressing. Change it daily to check for cleanliness and consult a medical practitioner if the wound does not heal. Always wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment for the task at hand. When cleaning up, always wear rubber gloves, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and closed-in footwear.

Brisbane City Council Information GPO Box 1434 Brisbane Qld 4001
Brisbane City Council 2013

For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3403 8888

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