Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last night, people on Queensland's Capricorn Coast and Yeppoon were hit by severe flash floods. Photos tell of a frightening situation for motorists and for shops and properties along the Yeppoon foreshore. One resident reported 508 millimetres, or 20 inches, of rain over 72 hours at Cawarral. Some shops in Yeppoon face inundation. The SES has been responding to more than 100 requests for assistance, mostly for leaking roofs. I am advised that it is a heartbreaking scene to see furniture and belongings outside some of the homes that received the most serious water damage. I have assured the local community that the thoughts of federal parliament are with them.

This morning, I touched base with federal Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan, about the situation, and showed him some photos. I have also been in touch with the state government, and left messages for the Livingstone Shire mayor. I wanted to make them aware that the federal minister has seen photos of last night's flooding at Yeppoon, in the event that federal assistance to the state and to the local council was requested down the track. I urge residents and motorists on the Capricorn Coast to be vigilant on the roads today, with forecasts of more severe weather expected.