Mayor’s View – 15th January, 2009
The last few days, so early in the new year, have been very trying times, with localised flooding and cyclonic wind conditions.
The whole of the Cassowary Coast Region has been impacted but the effects are different across the Region, depending on the locality. The weather system was relatively slow moving (certainly slower than T C Larry) so the wind and rainfall events lasted longer, from when they first affected the north to when the last of the effects hit the south.
Despite the weather system being classified as a ‘low’, some localised events were cyclonic. I wouldn’t be surprised if the weather recording devices indicate local mini-cyclones occurred. Certainly at Mission Beach on Monday night the wind was much greater than predicted and the directions moved around like a cyclone passing, with a lull between the winds from the north and then the south. At my house water was forced in around closed windows and doors facing east; as occurred during T C Larry.
Localised effects from flooding were serious, but as there had not been heavy rain over the Tablelands, the Johnstone, Tully and Murray were mainly carrying local run-off. The situation could have been much worse.
The clean-up is already well under way but will take several days and many residents will be spending time cleaning up their properties.
The heavy inflow of storm water into the sewerage system was, as always with heavy rainfall, a serious issue. However, possibly due to the larger sewerage pumps recently installed, this was only experienced at a few locations as a problem. The solution is part of the major infrastructure overhaul needed for Innisfail’s ageing sewerage system and requires major funding allocations.
With this event coinciding with one of the highest tides in many years, damage to roadworks and other infrastructure is to be expected. At this stage no figure has been put on the repair bill. Disaster Relief funding will be available to assist with rectification works.
Council gave the usual warnings about avoiding unnecessary travel, taking care with flood water due to possible contamination, the dangers of drowning in drains or culverts and avoiding wasting fresh water to alleviate pressure on Water Treatment Plants handling increased turbidity. Despite the warnings I witnessed children playing in drains and flowing creeks – thankfully no reports of injury have been received.
The warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology are based on the best available information and it’s important that they don’t over-estimate the dangers, otherwise people may become complacent. However, the possible existence of particular circumstances, like mini weather systems, means that we should always be alert to local conditions and prepared for the worst.
The region is better prepared for natural disasters than ever before. We have new SES groups, new equipment, trained personnel and a community experienced in facing natural disasters. However there is always room for improvement.
The main lesson learnt from this event is probably to expect the worst and hope for something less.