Flood-hit Queensland reconstruction is of post-war proportion: Anna Bligh

Queensland premier Anna Bligh on Thursday said the reconstruction of Queensland following the devastation meant a huge task of post war proportions.

As we look across Queensland and see three quarters of our state having experienced the devastation of raging flood waters, we now face a reconstruction task of post war proportions.

Confirming the death of a thirteenth victim near Grantham, she said more than 70 people are now notified as missing. Nearly 119,000 homes and businesses were cut off from electricity. In the Lockyer Valley areas of Gatton, Helidon, Grantham, both telephone lines and mobile phone towers were down.

Central Queensland, Southwest Queensland, Western Queensland, especially the Burnett Region, the Darling Downs, Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley, Ipswich or Brisbane, all these places have been affected by floods, Bligh noted.

As of now, 70 towns and cities across Queensland have been affected by the flood with more than 2.5 million affected in Southeast Queensland alone, she said.

Giving estimates from the Brisbane City Council, Bligh said 11,900 homes in Brisbane have experienced flooding across their entire property. Further 14,700 homes have experienced partial inundation.

The estimates also indicate that about 2,500 commercial businesses have been fully inundated and a further 2,500 have had some partial damage, the premier said.

Govt appeals for donations:

Meanwhile, the Queensland Government has launched an appeal for donations. At this time, the Queensland Government is inviting financial donations only. Unfortunately this appeal cannot accept donations of goods or services, said a statement.

Donations of over $10,000 will be posted on RockhamptonDonate online, it said. Make a donation to the Premier’s Disaster relief appeal using a secure payment form, the statement added.

Other details in the appeal are as follows:

Donate by phone: 0600 – 2300, on all 7 days on 1800 219 028.

Donate by internet:

Account Name: Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal
BSB: 064 013
Account number: 1000 6800

SWIFT code for international donations: CTBAAU2S

-- Once your transaction is complete, you should record the receipt number for your transaction. If you do not receive a receipt number, contact your financial institution.

-- If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, please forward a request, with proof of donation to:

Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal
C/O Department of the Premier and Cabinet
PO Box 15185
City East QLD 4002
International donations