Our Community, One Year On

It’s hard to fathom that it has been just over a year since our community and our region was hit by the most unprecedented and devastating floods in recent memory.

The flood event saw not only parts of our great city inundated and engulfed by the rising waters but also saw our western neighbours such as Hughenden, Julia Creek, Cloncurry, Winton and Charters Towers all take a hit. Whilst we were reeling from the impact in Townsville, the loss of stock and devastation on our farmers was absolutely horrendous to witness – something that I know will be held in our hearts for many years to come. 

With tens of thousands of people, hundreds of homes, businesses and community organisations impacted by the floods there was one aspect that shone through more than any other during this time – this was North Queenslanders’ ability willingness and determination to help those around them, in their time of need.

I vividly recall the night the text warnings started to come in about the waters rising and impending evacuations. I remember the escalation of the messages and the fear that was being felt in our community; a community that simply did not know what to expect or what was coming – with the imminent release of the water from the dam truly terrifying.

During the night, whole suburbs went under water, people were displaced, and uncertainty took over. 

Through the devastation we saw our community come together – our defence forces, emergency services and hundreds of people on boats rescuing others from their flood engulfed streets; shopping centres doubled as recovery centres; and normal, everyday people opened up their homes to strangers who had lost everything.

Tragic stories of people who had lost everything were quickly followed by selfless acts of the community supporting one another. Our tragedy brought our community closer than ever. The resilience of our region is remarkable. The number
of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help others will never be forgotten. It makes me so proud to call Townsville my home.

As we focus on the future, I look forward to working together to ensure that our region can be at the forefront of projects, economic drivers and opportunities that move our community ahead. Working together to rebuild and learn from the floods that devastated so many, and to hold in our hearts and in our minds that sense of community as we make this future a reality.

07 4725 2066
Phillip.Thompson.MP@aph.gov.au