Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Although we anticipated the arrival of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the intensity and the precise location of the cyclone was still unknown. This made it a difficult task for locals and authorities to prepare proportionately for the incoming weather event, and it is not something that we are used to in South-East Queensland. I'd like to say thank you to the many volunteers who helped friends, neighbours and strangers throughout ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Throughout the long days at the sandbagging depots, I repeatedly saw generous acts of selflessness, togetherness and a contagious get-the-job-done spirit.

Afterwards, as flooding set in, it was clear that we were in for a massive rebuild and restoration, particularly on Boundary Street in Tingalpa, Billen and Gray streets in Carina as well as on Moreton Island. I saw the damage first hand as 'Team Vasta' doorknocked flood-affected suburbs, conducting welfare checks and offering to drop essential items as the reality of the job is set in. This is why I wrote to the Prime Minister, asking that he make the federal government's disaster recovery payment available to Brisbane residents. Following my letter, the eligibility criteria were extended in recognition of the hardship faced by our community. I'm glad the Prime Minister chose to listen and recognise how much the payment was needed.

We joined the clean-ups at the Wynnum Volves Soccer, AC Dolphins Carina and the Mount Gravatt Easts Junior Rugby League clubs—swapping their boots for old runners—and, in a few hours, we made significant progress restoring damaged fields, equipment and infrastructure. We saw massive turnouts, and it's clear just how much these clubs mean to their local communities.

I want to thank the lord mayor, Adrian Schrinner, and the Premier, David Crisafulli, for their strong leadership as well as the entire council, Bureau of Meteorology, SES and Energex teams for their swift action and clear communication throughout ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Thank you to the local businesses, like Lemoni Greek Cuzina and May's Thai, who gave out meals to the community for free. Well done. And a shout out to BMD, who not only teamed up with Felons so that we could pass cold refreshments onto volunteers but also joined the 'ute army' to drop green waste at the council's free resource recovery centres.

Whether it be a phone call or a physical hand, it was heartening to see locals stepping out of their usual routines and conveniences to chip in. While the weather is unpredictable, one thing I know to be certain is that we are always stronger together.