People are being asked to brace themselves for a long recovery, according to a Logan City Council statement released this afternoon.
Mayor Darren Power has implored people to be patient while bureaucrats fine-tune what they’re labelling a “roadmap to recovery”.
The recovery is expected to take weeks rather than days, the statement says.
“In some of the worst-impacted areas of the city’s southwest, it could take months,” it said.
Roads at major tributaries are still keeping some roads closed, and power is still out across more than 1600 homes.
Council’s Local Recovery Group (LRG) has been meeting to fine-tune a phased plan, taking over from those responsible for the city’s welfare during the disaster.
Others involved with the recovery include state and federal government agencies, along with emergency services.
A community recovery hub has been set up by the state government at Jimboomba Library and Community Centre, Honora St, to help storm-impacted residents and to provide advice about funding which is available to those hardest hit.
More than 400 people have attended the hub to use showers and free laundry services.
A pop-up Community Recovery Hub will open at Cedar Grove from tomorrow (Thursday).
It will operate out of the Landcare Environmental Centre, 441 Cedar Grove Rd, from 9am-4pm through to Sunday, January 7.
“We have seen from the strong turnout at the Jimboomba Community Hub in recent days that there are many people facing very challenging times and we are doing everything we can to help,” Cr Power said.
“With the extra resources and manpower arriving to support council teams and services, we can get the recovery moving faster and get as many people back in their homes as soon as possible.
“It is going to take time and I urge anyone who is doing it tough, either financially or mentally as a result of the events of the last fortnight, please reach out as assistance and support is available.”
A number of small grants and loans up to $250,000 are being made available to residents and business owners.
Council’s recovery team will be responsible for deploying an allocation of Australian Defence Force personnel assigned to the South East Queensland region from later this week.
There will be 50 people set to help, but that also includes other hard-hit areas including the Gold Coast.
The council team will advise how to best utilise manpower and machinery resources offered by Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) who are authorised to enter private property to help clean up.
There will also be help from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).
Crews will also continue to clear fallen trees and vegetation on roads and council-managed parks and reserves.
“A staged approach is being used,” council’s statement said.
“Initial works are focussed on providing access to blocked areas as soon as possible. Some vegetation is being removed but crews are also pushing debris to the roadside to open blocked lanes. Crews will return at a later date to remove or chip the fallen vegetation left behind.”
In coming weeks, there is expected to be a kerbside cleanup in affected areas.
Council says restoring roads is its priority. Some parks are closed and will remain so until floodwater subsides, the ground dries and more resources become available to remove fallen vegetation.
Support for residents impacted by storms, blackouts or flooding is available through the Community Recovery Hotline – 1800 173 349 – or online at www.qld.gov.au.
Road debris and road closures can be reported to Council on 3412 3412.
Residents can dispose of storm-related waste at council’s transfer stations at no cost.
