More than 450 personnel from the dedicated Australian Defence Force (ADF) unit supporting the Ipswich community in the flood clean-up are in the process of returning home.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said ADF Task Units Eagle and Heeler played an enormous role in assisting Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich community.
“Seeing the ADF on the ground was a boost to many who faced the mammoth task of clearing out their sodden belongings from their homes these past weeks,” Mayor Teresa Harding said.
“The ADF assisted with the clearing of 130 homes, 31 community facilities, and supported the opening of 16 roads within Ipswich.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for their hard work and we thank them for their service.”
Mayor Harding said at the peak of the operation more than 1600 ADF personnel were providing community assistance to south-east Queensland, with many of those hailing from Ipswich.
“RAAF Base Amberley is the largest airbase in Australia and of the 450 personnel assisting with the flood clean-up, 230 are based here in Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“The troops I spoke to said that the resilience shown by those people directly impacted by flooding was truly inspirational to them and the gratitude expressed by the Ipswich community had been a humbling experience.
“ADF personnel worked alongside council with dedicated liaison officers embedded within the Local Disaster Coordination Centre, allowing for a common operating picture.
“Council was able to assist them with knowledge of the local terrain, and in turn they updated our intel as they conducted reconnaissance duties.”
ADF personnel assisting with flood cleanup at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve.
The ADF removed more than 450 truckloads of water-damaged items and flood debris from across Ipswich (more than one truckload per ADF team member) and provided machinery and personnel to support clean-up in Colleges Crossing recreation reserve.
Major General David Thomae presented the people of Ipswich with a flag found in flood rubble in Brassall and salvaged by Defence personnel.
“This flag will serve as an enduring symbol of the close partnership between council and ADF in the flood relief effort,” Mayor Harding said.
Australian Army soldier Sergeant Brad Wilson presents the Australian flag found by ADF personnel in flood debris at Brassall as part of Operation Flood Assist 2022.
Personal Hardship Grants are available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for eligible flood-affected residents in Ipswich.
- Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant
- Essential Services Hardship Assistance Grant
- Essential Household Contents Grant
- Structural Assistance Grant
- Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant
Part of a sports club or organisation? The Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program supports not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations with funding to re-establish facilities and activities after extreme natural events.
Funding of up to $20,000 may be available for eligible sport and active recreation organisations located in areas declared under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery
If you are flood-impacted and require assistance, visit one of the Community Recovery hubs at:
- Frank McGreevy Function Centre, 112 Brisbane Terrace, Goodna open from 9am to 5pm.
- Ipswich Trades Hall, 4 Bell Street, Ipswich open from 9am to 5pm.
- Rosewood Community Centre the Community Recovery team visiting on various days which will be advised on their Facebook page.
If you have been impacted by the flood or have been helping others and need emotional support, it can be accessed through Lifeline’s crisis support by calling 13 11 14.
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery
A range of support and information is also available for Ipswich businesses impacted by recent rainfall and floods.
Visit Business Ipswich for information to help you get back on your feet.
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>>> Community recovery and support continues after Ipswich flood