A year on from near-record floods in Logan, the city continues to rebuild.
A state government program has only recently offered property owners who were inundated with floodwater an opportunity to sell out.
Other homeowners and businesses are being given the chance to make their buildings more resilient to rare flood events.
More than 280 homes were inundated by riverine flooding last February and March as water levels in many areas along the Logan River surpassed those seen in 2017, albeit slightly lower than record marks set in 1974.
A Logan City Council spokesperson said in some cases, council was still awaiting advice on repair or replacement funding applications with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).
The cost to council and the city has been immense.
Work conducted by council alone includes:
• More than $110 million in road infrastructure projects, now underway or completed, including major drainage upgrades in Eagleby and Springwood
• Repairs to damaged roads, bridges, footpaths and parks (no cost provided)
• A comprehensive review of flood mapping which has come under citywide criticism for a lack of public consultation
Mayor Darren Power said recovery efforts in flood-impacted suburbs was an ongoing marathon that was still far from over.
“I am proud of the way residents and businesses in Logan have come together to support one another and assist the recovery role council and other levels of government continue to play,” Cr Power said.
Cr Power said it was important to rebuild smarter and for everyone to think about, and formulate, their own emergency plans.
“Weather events and other emergencies can happen at any time,” Cr Power said.
“Spending some time now to get prepared for floods, storms or bushfires will help you, your family, pets and property be safe when it counts.”
Cr Power said he was in the Disaster Coordination Centre last February when the rains started and the rivers began to rise.
“I saw firsthand how we dodged an even more dangerous bullet,” he said.
“The damage our city suffered was significant, but had the weather system not tracked south, it would have been a lot, lot worse.
“I encourage everyone to pause for a moment this week and reflect on our city’s incredible community spirit on this first anniversary of the 2022 floods.”
Latest flood mapping is available at loganhub.com.au. Feedback on council’s disaster dashboard closes March 5 at the council’s “Have your say” page online.
