The failure of the both the Queensland State Government and Brisbane City Council to fully appreciate the needs of local residents is extraordinary.
A lack of required infrastructure, combined with geographical isolation impacts as a result of dam water releases, and recent flood events, means that local residents in Karana Downs, Mt Crosby, Kholo and Lake Manchester, and surrounding areas, are experiencing severe social, economic, financial and travel impacts.
Students and families have been spending hours travelling to and from school, with Colleges Crossing closed, and Bells Crossing (Kholo) Bridge having also remained closed over recent days.
The Queensland State Government and Brisbane City Council must work collaboratively and constructively to resolve these infrastructure matters for local residents. This must be done as a matter of priority, along with significantly improved communication by both levels of government.
These are also issues which I have discussed with local Councillor, Cr Greg Adermann, and included in a formal submission to the review being undertaken by the Inspector General of Emergency Management. I have also discussed these matters extensively with Major General Jake Ellwood, Queensland State Recovery Coordinator.
The Queensland State Government must also comprehensively review and understand the impacts of dam releases by SEQwater on downstream crossings, and urgently deliver infrastructure solutions to avoid geographical isolation of residents.
