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Feature: Remembering the 2011 flood
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.”
Floodwaters in the Covered 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.
By Sunday, 16 January, limited receivals had recommenced on the Central Trading Floor using generator power for lighting and by the next morning, Monday, 17 January, wholesalers were distributing the fresh produce that had arrived overnight. Terry Heidemann, Managing Director of Crisp Power & Control, was on site at the time to help reconnect electrical services, with the priority being to get the Central Trading Area operating again. “It was all hands on deck. We had everybody pitching in with rags and sourcing generators,” Mr Heidemann said.
Brisbane Produce Market inundated with flood waters.
“Everyone wanted to get in and get it done and it built a great camaraderie amongst the boys. They turned up every day with smiles on their faces. “Energex were unbelievable, they mobilised generators from everywhere so we could power our sub stations.” In the first week, the Brisbane Markets were at 30% capacity. A week later, it was at 50% and over the ensuing days, fresh produce volumes and efficiencies continued to increase as power was reinstated and warehouses were given the Brisbane City Council Health Department tick of approval to begin operations. The work to fully reinstate tenancies and infrastructure took many months, and the impact on some businesses was very significant. BML’s total damages claim was ultimately approximately $14 million, while the company also used the opportunity provided to undertake a substantial amount of site upgrading and refurbishment works. According to Brisbane Markets Limited CEO, Andrew Young, the response of the community in providing assistance and support was incredible.
Volunteers sort out the mess in the Brisbane Markets Commercial Centre.
“What we experienced was a community wanting to help,” Mr Young said. “They responded to the positive examples of the determination being shown and the very visible effort being made to clear the site of the debris and waste.
“What really stood out was the commitment and support shown by tenants, the appointed contractors, government agencies and our staff members. As highlighted in the thank you advertisement that BML published in 2011 (see page 21), there were so many companies, agencies, and people involved. It was a very humbling experience and one which really demonstrated the good will and determination of people during times of adversity. “To this day, BML is still overwhelmed by gratitude and thanks for the support, cooperation and dedication everyone showed in getting the Brisbane Markets up and running again.” Premier of Queensland at the time, Anna Bligh, was among the throng of politicians and their policy advisors to visit Brisbane Markets in the wake of the flood. At the time, she said: “This market is a remarkable story of resilience. I’ve been so impressed and people all over Brisbane have found it an unbelievable recovery story”.
Members of the Australian Defence Force assist with the huge clean-up effort at Brisbane Markets. IMAGE: Corporal (CPL) Janine Fabre.
Defence Force trucks await to remove a pile of debris. Garden Verde’s Bassam (Sam) Abou Chahla in the Brisbane Produce Market as the water subsides.
A sign of the times. Former Queensland Premier Anna Bligh (right) speaks with Brisbane Markets Limited Chairman Tony Joseph (left) and CEO Andrew Young.
Once again, Brisbane Markets would like to say Thank you! Thank you!
Based on the advertisement that BML ran in The Courier Mail in February 2011
It was only through the help and dedication of volunteer groups, state government agencies, individuals, contractors and service providers that we were able to undertake the huge clean-up to get Queensland’s marketing and distribution hub for fresh produce operational following the 2011 floods.
Now, ten years on, we continue to recognise and thank those individuals and organisations for their contributions to the recovery effort. A special acknowledgement is made for the supreme round-the-clock effort by Peter McMahon and his team at Civil Unlimited, the crews of Crisp Electrical and Agnola Plumbing and Energex.
Heartfelt thanks to:
• Australian Army Reserves and Disaster
Response Team • Brisbane City Council • NSW Fire & Rescue (Lismore and
Ballina) • Queensland Fire & Rescue Service • Queensland Rural Fire Brigade • QFRS Aviation Brisbane Airport • Queensland Police Moorooka (traffi c management) • Queensland Police Sherwood (antilooting patrols) • Volunteering Queensland • Brisbane Markets management, staff , family and friends
Special acknowledgement and thanks to:
• Brent Carter, Chief Superintendent
Queensland Police Service, Metropolitan
South
Medical assistance:
• Australian Army Medics • Emergency Medics • Volunteer Nurses • Queensland Health
Owners/operators of heavy machinery, trucks, bobcats:
A special thanks to the many owners/ operators of trucks and machines used in the massive operation to clear debris from the site.
Cleaning:
• Maxi Clean • Pristine Ultra Clean • TSS Westaff • Vantage Financial Plus hundreds of people who just turned up on site to help clean!
Suppliers and service providers who assisted:
• A1 First Aid Supplies • Agnola Plumbing • Alex Milanovic & Associates • Arbon Equipment • Aus IT • Bulk Fuel Australia • Civil Unlimited • Cool Dynamics • Coates Hire • Crisp Electrical • Energex • Industrial Fitting Sales, Rocklea • JA Evans Crane • Mini Tankers • Nalco Company • Onsite Rentals • Qld Decorative Concrete Finishes • SafetyQuip • Stowe Electrical • Schultz and Burns • Tech Services • Veolia Environmental Services • Wiley & Co • Wanless Enviro Services
Food and drink providers:
• All About Meat • Cosie Rosies Café • Eagle Boys, Acacia Ridge • Lions Club, Logan Village with assistance from the Tamborine Village and Holland
Park Lions • Michels Patisserie • Mr Coff ee, Barista • Noodle Box • Rotary Club • Subway • Tip Top • Streets Ice creams • Wok On, Carina • Triple M
... and to the many other companies and individuals that donated food and water without waiting for thanks!
A special thank you to all who gave so generously in our time of need. There were many unnamed people who assisted but due to the magnitude of the event and its impact on our entire site, we apologise if we have missed acknowledging your efforts.
Andrew Young CEO Brisbane Markets Limited Tony Joseph Chairman Brisbane Markets Limited
