White vinegar’s gold as painful clean-up gathers momentum Rising from the mould
A HUMBLE household item has been declared “worth more than gold” in Townsville as residents in the no-longer disaster-declared city go to war against the scourge of mould.
White vinegar has become one of Townsville’s most sought-after commodities as damp surfaces combined with high temperatures and humidity levels wreak havoc on homes already ruined by floodwaters. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the State Government had contacted supermarkets to ensure there were fresh stocks of cleaning goods such as vinegar, which can be effective in removing mould.
“Our close relationship with those on the ground has told us that vinegar is worth more than gold,” she said.
Ms Palaszczuk said the community had a “way to go” but every day moved closer to getting life “back to normal”.
“Our western communities are dealing with heartbreak after heartbreak,” she said.
“These families, who love and care for their stock, are in the grip of unbelievable grief.”
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said now the floodwaters had receded, mould would be the major concern for Townsville residents.
“It will be a heartbreaking time for the people in Townsville,” she said.
“They’re facing temperatures of 37C and humidity of 60 per cent … their big problem now is mould and actually getting their houses into a state where they’re habitable again.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford yesterday signed the declaration lifting Townsville’s disaster status after experts determined the risk of loss of life, illness or injury to humans, property loss or damage and environmental damage g had “significantly reduced”. Mr Crawford said the local government areas of Burdekin, Charters Towers, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Richmond and Townsville were now in “full recovery mode”.
“Within the next 24 hours our eva evacuation centres should be b empty with everyone in need n in proper accommodation,” ti he said.
A further 17 state schools will w reopen in Townsville today, to bringing the total number b reopened since the flooding in began to 40.
More than 23,600 people have h received about $4.02 million li in hardship payments, while the North Queensland Floods Appeal has received more m than $2 million so far.
Power has been reconnected e to about 15,000 homes, with Ergon reporting about 800 remained disconnected as at 5pm yesterday.
Ergon is aiming to have supply available to all customers impacted by the floods by tomorrow.
The Government has opened a local tradies register to add more local workers to insurer-approved lists.
Townsville City Council started aerial treatments of mosquito breeding sites yesterday.
Residents have been warned to take care and use insect repellent as humid conditions continue in the coming week.
Local Recovery and Resilience Group chair Cr Les Walker said the council had opened a number of temporary waste disposal facilities and increased operating times at some waste transfer stations.
Council crews will collect flood waste and debris in the Collection Zones until Sunday February 17. Cr Walker said fees were being waived for flood-affected domestic waste.
The Insurance Council of Australia has announced it will hold two forums in Townsville to provide claims guidance on February 25 and March 25.