Flood recovery a team effort

With a wet summer being predicted, rivers in the Southern Downs are getting the once over, thanks to flood and disaster recovery funding from Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
Condamine Alliance is partnering with Southern Downs Regional Council to identify key public areas along the river that are still in need of work after the floods earlier this year.
“We need to ensure that all major manmade debris is cleared from the flood zones to protect the river and ensure, if future flooding occurs, debris is not mobilised again,” Condamine Alliance CEO Phil McCullough said.
“The types of debris that is expected to be encountered include general household waste, bottles, plastic bags, plastic wrapping from hay bales, hay bales, fence wire, corrugated iron, chemical drums, star pickets and steel drums,” he said.
Volunteers from Queensland Conservation Volunteers have started working this week and will continue their work throughout the Condamine catchment for at least 10 weeks.
“The volunteers will stockpile debris collected and Southern Downs Regional Council are supporting us by arranging for its removal,” Mr McCullough said.
“We will also work with landholders along key sections of the river to ensure the work done is as effectively as possible.
“This project is truly a demonstration of partnerships and we are excited to have the Southern Downs Regional Council supporting us,” he said.
“Ensuring a clean and healthy environment is an important aim of the council, identified under our Corporate Plan and we’re pleased to partner with Condamine Alliance to support this post-flood clean-up of our rivers,” Southern Downs Regional Council director of engineering Peter See said.
If you are aware of areas where there is still a buildup of manmade debris from the floods, contact Condamine Alliance on 1800 181 100.