KEECH PRAISES EMERGENCY SERVICES AFTER WILD WEATHER

Written on the 8th of February 2010 by Brent Davidson, 3807 0809

After a weekend of extreme weather across the region, residents are being warned to stay away from flooded creeks and rivers.

The warning comes after torrential rain drenched the electorate, causing road closures, stock losses and up to 67 SES activations.

State Member for Albert Margaret Keech said although the rain had stopped, the danger hasn’t passed.

“We had so much rain over the weekend that our waterways are still swollen and are extremely dangerous,” said Mrs Keech.

“I am urging residents to use their common sense. Don’t cross flooded roadways and don’t play in flood waters – doing so only puts your life and the lives of our emergency service workers at risk.”

Over the weekend, a swollen Coomera River caused a number of vessels to break their moorings and isolated livestock.

Further north in Kingsholme, a daring swift-water rescue was undertaken and flood warnings were issued for the Albert River at Wolffdene and Mount Warren Park.

Mrs Keech praised the region’s hard-working emergency services.

“A sincere thank you to the emergency service workers who were deployed around the clock over the weekend to ensure the safety of residents,” said Mrs Keech.

“The dedication and professionalism these special people demonstrate are values which ensure Queensland’s emergency services continue to provide a first class service to the local community.”