MEDIA RELEASE
23 September 2024
Forty-five flood survivors from across the Barron delta have contributed their insights and experiences to a new report being released by the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) at Yorkeys Knob Boat Club this Saturday 28th September, 10am - 2pm. The event will have presentations from leading expert Professor Jonathan Nott alongside community leaders behind the Barron Flood Plain Action Group. Candidates for Barron River from each major party in the Queensland election will attend and answer questions from flood survivors.
In the wake of the destructive floods that followed ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, communities shared their experiences through a series of Table Talks, or focus group conversations, held by the CAFNEC. Insights and stories shared by survivors from Machans Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Holloways Beach, Trinity Park, Caravonica, and Lake Placid have been gathered into the new report.
The report sheds light on the devastation experienced by communities in the face of unprecedented flooding that came with little to no warning. In Machans Beach many residents were surprised by the water’s sudden rise from behind homes that hadn’t been affected by previous floods. One resident captured this sentiment, “It was like a dam broke… it first was a trickle, and then the whole place was flooded.”
In Yorkeys Knob, residents described how delayed communication made the situation worse. “We got a text saying, ‘move to high ground’ ten minutes before the water really came into the house … The time was just too short to move,” one resident explained. The rapid onset of the floodwaters left many feeling unprepared and overwhelmed, highlighting the need for earlier warnings and better resources for quick evacuation in flood-prone areas.
“This was the worst flood we’ve experienced in our lifetimes, and the heart-wrenching stories we heard during conversations with survivors must inform policy moving forward,” said Bronwyn Opie, Community Campaigner at CAFNEC. “With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of floods, it’s critical we implement stronger flood mitigation and adaptation strategies so Cairns residents are better prepared for the next event.”
The event will feature discussions about solutions, including a presentation by the Barron Flood Plain Action Group, a grassroots community group calling for a moratorium on inappropriate development that they argue is exacerbating the impacts of major flooding. Also featured is a panel discussion with candidates for Barron River in the upcoming Queensland election, who will answer questions from flood survivors about their plans to improve disaster resilience and response.
Professor Jonathan Nott, keynote speaker at the report launch, emphasised the urgency of planning for our changing future “This was the largest flood Cairns has experienced in over 110 years,” he said.“This is one of the first floods worldwide to be directly attributable to climate change. The chances of this flood occurring increased by 50% between the years 2000 and 2023. This probability will continue to increase to almost three times by the year 2100.”
Community members are invited to attend the report launch on September 28th, contribute their experiences, and engage in the conversation on how to better prepare for the future.
For more information and to register for the event, visit www.cafnec.org.au/tabletalks.
ENDS
For media inquiries, contact Bronwyn Opie on 0421 797 511, climateaction@cafnec.org.au
High resolution images from the flood and the Table Talks are available upon request.
Contact details:
CAFNEC: Bronwyn - 0421 797 511 climateaction@cafnec.org.au
