Flood victim wins claim

Grantham man awarded $450,000 compensation after 2011 floods

A LOCKYER Valley man has been awarded $450,000 in compensation for the death of his wife who died alongside their two children in the Grantham flood of January 10, 2011.

Danny McGuire and his surviving son Zachary Jibson had filed the claim against the State Government in 2013 claiming hardship following the death of his wife Llync-Chiann Clarke-Jibson, his son Garry, 12, and daughter Jocelyn, 5, during the deadly floods.

In a decision handed down on Friday, Mr McGuire was awarded the compensation figure he said would help set his son up and help the pair move on.

Mr McGuire’s solicitor Colin Patino said Zachary was also awarded $150,000 to be paid in quarterly instalments until he turns 16.

“It doesn’t bring them back,” Mr McGuire said.

After paying legal fees associated with the long legal battle, part of the payment will be set up in a trust for Zachary until he is older in a clause stipulated by WorkCover to which Mr McGuire agreed.

Mr McGuire said the compensation “opens the door” for negligence charges against the State Government and the Rural Fire Service, and he would continue his push for criminal proceedings.

Mr McGuire was a volunteer with the Rural Fire Brigade and had his family with him when his truck was hit by a torrent in Grantham in the 2011 flood.

Having rescued more than 35 people from floodwaters that day, Mr McGuire was unable to save his wife, his son or his daughter.

He had claimed workers’ compensation benefits on the basis his wife was a brigade member and that her death resulted from injuries received when her performing duties.

❝ It doesn’t bring them back.

— Danny McGuire