Feature
REMEMBERING THE 2011 FLOOD Anniversary of 2011 flood provides time for reflection Ten years ago, Brisbane Markets faced a situation like no other. After two months of solid rain throughout the state, the 2.6 million megalitre Wivenhoe Dam was 190% full and rising. To reduce the threat of the dam wall breaking under the water pressure, water was released and the people of Ipswich and Brisbane were racing for cover as the muddy deluge hit them, their homes and their livelihoods. On Wednesday, 12 January, the 77ha Rocklea site succumbed to the flood water, mud and sludge rising to a depth of 1.5 m in its Central Trading Area, and up to 3 m in some warehouses, engulfing ground floor offices, storage sheds and cold rooms. The site was rendered inaccessible and suffered an estimated total losses of $60 million for BML and all tenants, including damage to fresh produce, vehicles, equipment, buildings and infrastructure. Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) Chairman, Tony Joseph, said that all businesses and premises were affected to varying degrees by the flood event and the recovery process was both enormous, costly and time consuming. “At the time, the 2011 flood was devastating and its impact continues to this day. But in the recovery period, the markets community banded together and we became stronger for it,” Mr Joseph said. “Since that time BML has had the opportunity to upgrade infrastructure on site and to put in considerable work to mitigate the potential for damage in the future.”
18 FRESH SOURCE
Summer 2020
Floodwaters in the Co vered Unloading Area in the Central Trading Area of the Brisbane Produce Market.
From Friday, 14 January, the water receded and a ‘mud army’ turned out in droves to assist the clean-up effort. Australian Defence Force personnel from D Company, 9th Battalion Royal Queensland Regiment, Queensland and NSW Fire and Rescue personnel, and Air Services Australia fire tenders, all worked together to remove rotting food and flood damaged debris as well as hose down and sanitise buildings and fence lines. BML staff members, contractors and tenants were joined by hundreds of volunteers, most in gumboots and gloves, who offered support with the clean-up, setting up barbecues and providing water and food, while larger corporate organisations donated food and drink.
