Our community has once again banded together following our third major flood since December 2010.
While the mighty Burnett River last week rose to levels just under the 2010 flood and two metres lower than 2013, this disaster has changed lives forever.
More than 200 homes and businesses were inundated and each and everyone will need our support.
The people of our region are tough, and our community spirit has been shining brightly. However, that resilience doesn’t mean we should be left alone.
I commit to ensuring all levels of Government do their fair share and understand the evolving needs of our affected residents and businesses in both the short and long term.
Prior to entering federal politics, I was Bundaberg Regional Council’s Disaster Management and Resilience Coordinator and before that as a Councillor, I was Deputy Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group and Local Recovery Coordinator after the 2013 record flood. It’s pleasing to see how our local planning and development, throughout this period, has improved the quality and efficiency of response.
A much better understanding of rainfall observations in the Burnett catchment and more clarity around river heights has resulted in a much better prepared community.
While nothing is ever perfect, we can and will always learn and position ourselves to do better next time.
Every event that brings hardship to our people also ignites debate about flood mitigation.
My role is to keep the pressure on government’s and see that effective infrastructure is delivered before the next flood event.
Thank you to all who have stood up and supported friends and strangers in their time of need, including the Alive Church members led by Joey and Adam and the swathe of Mud Army volunteers that they coordinated.
To our emergency service staff and volunteers who have been working around the clock to keep people safe and informed. Thank you.
It was an easy decision for me to request for early leave from Parliament as the flood water peaked. I appreciated the Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain for meeting with me at short notice before I left Canberra so I could brief her on the local situation. Throughout the entire response and recovery, I have also been keeping our new leader of the Nationals, fellow Queenslander, Matt Canavan up to date.
I have a great relationship with Matt and he understands regional Australia better than anyone. He has also pledged to do all he can to assist with our ongoing flood recovery.
Under Matt’s leadership the coalition will protect Australians’ way of life and restore you standard of living.
Now, together, let’s get Bundy back on track.
Published column in Bundaberg Today on March 20.