REGION REJOICES OVER DOWNPOUR
... AND THERE’S MORE ON THE WAY
EVENTS were cancelled and cars slid off roads as minor flooding caused traffic havoc.
But for exhausted firefighters the rain this week is a godsend.
After months of saving property from blazes in the Hinterland, Beechmont rural firefighter Greg McKenzie was delighted to hear water hitting his roof.
During the past six months Mr McKenzie has seen the worst of Mother Nature.
He was out battling the Hinterland bushfires from September to December, all while tending to his parched dairy farm and hungry cows. Five generations of McKenzies have owned the farm since the 1880s.
“It’s a very small community,” he said. “I think everyone knew somebody who was badly affected or impacted by the fires.
“(Wife) Wendy and I were not directly impacted by the bushfires but I was involved. I was fighting them.
“That created stress on its own. We were called out regularly for the main fair at Binna Burra in September and up until December we were constantly called for smaller fires.
“We realised when we had the fires we knew it was going to continue on until we actually got good rain.
“As we did get some good rain over Christmas, that took the edge off.
“The rain we’re having now was really needed. It’s very important.
“The initial rain (from three weeks ago) in which 170mm fell in 24 hours had already started to dry out again.
“(The community) is relieved.”
Yesterday, Burleigh Waters (76mm), Tallebudgera Creek (66mm) and the Hinterland copped the most rain.
Consistent downpours are expected to stay until mid next week.
The Coast is forecast to receive 45-70mm of rain today, and 20-35mm tomorrow.
Yesterday afternoon, the Little Nerang Dam was spilling, reaching 101.3 per cent capacity. The Hinze Dam was 85.6 per cent full.
Residents are still urged to save water across southeast Queensland, with grid levels at 55.9 per cent.
Queensland Police and Queensland Ambulance Service recorded a number of minor car accidents across the Coast.
This week Mayor Tom Tate warned Gold Coasters to prepare for potential flooding.
“The bureau is predicting heavy downpours in the coming days,” he said. “As the city is getting ready, I would say to everyone else on the Gold Coast to get ready.
“Make sure your gutters are clean and all the things you haven’t thought about.
“If you don’t have a checklist, you can visit the city’s website.
“With the potential flooding and the flash flooding we had not so long ago (about three weeks ago), it’s amazing how quickly the low lying areas can be affected.
“We’ve seen footage of cars getting stuck. I know it’s a cliche but if it’s flooded, forget it. If you go in and get into trouble you’re sucking up resources for SES and QFES to come and rescue you. The other thing is you’re putting their life in jeopardy and not just yours.’’
Amy Van den Akker, 16, made the most of the muchneeded downpour, using time indoors to hit the books.
“I stayed in the library studying all lessons all lunch,” the Year 11 Elanora State High School student said.
“There’s nothing else to really do but study in this weather.”
WE REALISED WHEN WE HAD THE FIRES WE KNEW IT WAS GOING TO CONTINUE ON UNTIL WE ACTUALLY GOT GOOD RAIN GREG MCKENZIE