From the outbox of Meyer’s inbox:
Yes I really do have an inbox. And yes I really get mail. Case in point is this follow-up to the Queensland Flood Disaster provided by one of our own Watercooler contributors, Ali. We see the news play out in events like this and then go on with our lives but that doesn’t mean the work is over. Scars from a devastating disaster like this will linger for years; if not generations. As for the need for workers, imagine the thrill of having a passport in one hand and tool belt in another. While on my last Mississippi trip, I meet a couple of plumbers who came to the region after Katrina for work and haven’t stopped in six years! That’s a noble adventure worthy of consideration. Good thoughts and prayers continue to come your way! Cheers.
One year ago Australia was devastated with the tragic flooding of Queensland. With the affected area often described as the size of France and Germany combined. Severe damage was done to crops, buildings and infrastructure in affected areas. Also over 36,000 homes were destroyed. The worst news of the flooding was the loss of 35 lives. The town of Toowoomba was one of the worst hit. 18 lives were lost here. A petition is now in place to improve the towns drain way systems.
The impact of the Queensland floods was particularly devastating for local farmers, losing crops worth into the billions. 80% of the states Banana plantations were destroyed. The Queensland mining industry was also effected costing over $1 Billion due to disruptions caused by the floods. Although a final figure has still not been released, the estimated cost on the Australian Economy is expected to exceed $15 Billion. The Queensland floods also caused a cut in the GDP growth over 2011 by half a percentage point.
Australia is still calling for international help to rebuild/repair Queensland. A shortage in Australian skilled tradesman and laborers has resulted in international aid being needed to help repair the extensive damage. There’s an increase in demand for all sorts of trades from plasterers to electricians, plumbers, tilers and the rest. If any good could possibly come from a disaster such as this, it would be the many jobs /apprenticeships created to rebuild the infrastructure, towns and homes. The rebuilding of Queensland has led to a welcome boost in employment in the construction industry which was struggling due to the global financial crisis. The rebuilding of Queensland will still take at least another 3 years to complete.
Although a fair amount of the flood damaged/destroyed homes have been rebuilt, still to date many home insurance claims have still yet to be finalized. Approximately 4,000 claims are still to be settled. Understandably, many flood victims find it too heartbreaking to return home. Some will not rebuild at all.
The relief funds and international support have raised an over whelming amount of funds. And a year after it was set up, Premier Anna Bligh’s Disaster Relief Appeal has raised $281.5 million to help those affected by the floods. The biggest corporate donations to the appeal were from BHP Billiton ($11.2 million) and Wesfarmers ($5 million) while the state and federal governments each chipped in $11 million.
1 year later, and most farming districts have re-cropped. There’s now $756 million worth of projects completed, $1.96 billion in projects under way or out to tender, and a further $843 million being prepared (under assessment). About 70 per cent of the $7 billion allocated for flood repairs will be spent repairing 9200km of roads.
With help of over 16,000 volunteers, international aid and community spirit, Queensland is well on the way to recovery.
By Alison Schneider
One Comment
Awesome Ali.