St George Flood - Update
05-March-2010
A planned visit by the Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, to flood hit St George in Queensland has been cancelled. Local authorities say that it is likely that the airport will be inundated along with eighty per cent of the town by tonight and Mr Abbott’s plane will not be able to touch down. Senator Barnaby Joyce has now extended the invitation to Mr Abbott to see the flood damage after the peak has passed and access to the community has returned to normal.
Senator Joyce has been assisting as much as possible in organising temporary accommodation through such people as Geelong Football Club President Frank Costa, owner of Table Grapes in St George. Senator Joyce would like to thank Frank for his assistance. Other people in St George will be providing relief accommodation as will Senator Joyce if required. The hard working people of St George including the Mayor Donna Stewart, the SES, Council crews and Emergency Services personnel are doing an excellent job in a trying and stressful situation.
High need patients from the hospital are being air lifted out and the town is focussing totally on making sure that the flood is being managed as seamlessly as possible. Senator Joyce said he would like to thank everyone for the support that the district is receiving from the nation. St George residents have not forgotten what other communities have endured through the floods and are mindful of the other towns facing flooding south of St George.
The light at the end of the tunnel is the immense benefit this water will be to the irrigation industry and agriculture generally in the area and the wealth this will contribute to the balance of payments for our nation.
Source: Senator, Barnaby Joyce
