Community
27 September, 2024
Survivors have their say in new flood report.
THE experiences of 45 flood survivors from across the Barron delta are the focus of a new report on post-Cyclone Jasper to be launched at Yorkeys Knob tomorrow.
The event, at the boat club from 10am - 2pm, will include a Q& A with flood survivors, a keynote speech from Professor Jonathan Nott, a panel discussion with Barron River election candidates on their disaster resilience plans and a presentation from the Barron Flood Plain Action Group, which is calling for a ban on inappropriate development on the delta.
The report, Unheard Voices: Barron River Survivors Speak, was produced by the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) based on insights from residents of Machans Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, Trinity Park, Caravonica, and Lake Placid where unprecedented flooding occurred.
“This was the worst flood we’ve experienced in our lifetimes and the heart-wrenching stories we heard during conversations with survivors must inform policy moving forward,” CAFNEC community campaigner Bronwyn Opie said.
“With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of floods, it’s critical we implement stronger flood mitigation and adaptation strategies so Cairns residents are better prepared for the next event.”
In Machans Beach, she said residents were surprised by the water’s sudden rise from behind homes that had previously never flooded. At Yorkeys Knob, survivors described how delayed communication made the situation worse. “We got a text saying, ‘move to high ground’ 10 minutes before the water really came into the house,” one resident said.
Register for the event at https://bit.ly/3MXBqhb
