Queensland in crisis: don't forget the west

Roads which can be quickly repaired – even temporarily- need to be re-opened and the flow of transports maintained as a priority wherever that can be done, without bureaucratic delay.

To back up my claims, here are a few facts: in the Ballone Shire, Donna Stewart, the hardworking mayor says re-supply there is her priority as she has residents in outlying areas who have been stranded now for weeks and will likely remain isolated for perhaps another six weeks. In this same shire, the Charleville community is reported to have run out of milk and bread etc. In Chinchilla today, the floodwaters are still rising, 36 houses and businesses are inundated and the flood is worse than the previous flood ten days ago. Residents must boil their drinking water in Chinchilla.

In Dalby, they’ve had blue skies today and flood-waters are falling slowly. Roads systems have been destroyed and a thriving agricultural centre is in chaos. 200 homes remain inundated, 220 people shelter in evacuation centres and the town is split in two, there are 200 road closures and an unknown but enormous number of trucks stranded. Panic buying has stripped service stations and shops.

The Western Downs Regional Council Mayor in Dalby says re-supply of towns in his area is essential for food, fuel and medical supplies which are in danger of running out. Aviation fuel for helicopters and fixed wing aircraft being used for emergency tasks is now in very short supply. Refrigeration vans holding perishable foodstuffs are running on reserves of fuel. This mayor is deeply concerned about this matter and said today he has brought it to the attention of the relevant state minister. The Dalby mayor says resupply from the east is unlikely and questioned whether resupply can be attempted through southern routes. Drinking water supplies are limited in this town because of damage to water infrastructure.

These are just two of the shire councils in this vast region which has been enduring the effects of three consecutive floods since 24 December 2011.

Premier, Prime Minister, look after Ipswich and Brisbane, but don’t forget the bush.