A bit of cheek from North Coast Nationals Luke Hartsuyker concerning local flooding

Nationals Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has been making a bit of noise about people in the Coffs Harbour area affected by flooding in March 2009 not receiving a one-off Disaster Recovery payment.

He states; "We all know Kevin Rudd's a Queenslander but we expect him to be even-handed when it comes to helping people in wake of a disaster.The message he's sending is clear - it's one law for Queenslander flood victims and one law for everyone else."

Leaving aside that Hartsuyker did little about trying to secure this payment at the time, there are many who think that he is being more than a little hypocritical in now offering to table a petition in Parliament on behalf of these residents.

As one Northern Rivers identity remarked to me earlier this week:
He is being a bit cheeky. In 2001 when the cyclone hit Innisfail the Howard Government scooped out the money to help victims but when flooding hit the Clarence, causing comparative damage, it offered nothing.
Nothing like double standards. **

Apparently the Member for Cowper (first elected November 2001) is not above cynically using waterlogged electors to try and score a political point now he's on the Opposition benches.
In government his party frankly didn't give a d*mn.

** Clarence Valley residents well remember when they were hit by a flood, a cyclonic-strength east coast low and another flood - all within the space of weeks in the first quarter of 2001.

The Member for Page rises to her feet in praise of local emergencey services and residents during May 2009 flood

From OpenAustralia this week:

Janelle Saffin (Page, Australian Labor Party) Link to this Hansard source

I would like to give the House an update on the major flooding that has had a devastating impact on the cities, towns and rural areas across my electorate of Page this week and, indeed, in the neighbouring electorates of Richmond, Cowper and Lyne and in South-East Queensland. Our trade subcommittee, which I chair, was due to hold hearings in Melbourne last Thursday and Friday but I cancelled at the first hint of what was to come as I received briefings on and read the weather forecasts for the Northern Rivers and South-East Queensland, which showed a deterioration in the weather.

Even though we did not go on to a big flood alert I knew from experience, having lived in a flood-prone area for a long time, what was about to come. I wanted to do what I could to help the New South Wales State Emergency Services, all the local volunteers, the police, the local councils, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and the fire brigades in what has been a magnificent flood coordination effort on the ground, in the air and on the water.

Tragically, the floods were fatal, claiming two lives: a 70-year-old man died in his submerged car in floodwaters south of Coffs Harbour last Friday night and another man died earlier in Queensland. I know that everyone in this House sends their deep condolences to their families.

Today's Northern Star newspaper carries a story of how four Bexhill residents, Allen Petty, Glenn and Kerri Nelson and Ben Saunders, used a canoe to save a backpacker, Jodie, from a near drowning just north of Lismore. While the foursome underplayed their heroic actions, they deserve the highest praise.

I really want to pay tribute to another small army of heroes: the 400-odd State Emergency Services volunteers in the Northern Rivers and the mid-North Coast who worked long shifts around the clock to prepare local communities for nature's onslaught and to execute evacuation plans. In the Clarence Valley around Grafton they doorknocked over 10,000 people, warning them and having them prepare. Everybody was brought into service to ensure that we were well and truly prepared.

We also had SES people there from all over the state, and I thank them. They have received an estimated 2,700 requests for assistance since last Tuesday and have performed more than 200 flood rescue operations, such as assisted evacuations, resupplying food and medical supplies to isolated properties and helping with stock as well. Regional SES controllers Richmond-Tweed's Scott Hanckel in the north and Dave Mackey in the south have kept me briefed on the flood situations, as have local mayors and senior police. I also had firsthand experience.

I would also like to personally thank my colleague the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, for flying to Lismore on Saturday to announce that the Commonwealth government would be providing financial assistance to communities affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. I also thank the Prime Minister for his announcement in this place today of additional assistance, because that will really help those people who have been devastated by floods, both the individuals and particularly our producers: our rural sector and small businesses. Those cash grants of up to $15,000 where they have to expend money getting themselves back in order through the floods will be very welcome indeed. In fact, I have had thankyou calls from farmers tonight for that.

The New South Wales Premier, Nathan Rees, and the state Minister for Emergency Services, Steve Whan, also came to the region and to Lismore to declare a natural disaster zone, pledge assistance and start working closely with the Commonwealth on a recovery plan for the region. The emergency services minister was originally there to open a fire station. The weather changed and he stayed and was there for most of the flood.

The New South Wales government have appointed former New South Wales police commissioner Ken Moroney as recovery coordinator for the North Coast floods, a welcome appointment. Mr Moroney, who was stationed as a police commander in Lismore from the early seventies until the early eighties and experienced the major flood of 1974, this morning held meetings with key personnel in Lismore and this afternoon flew to Grafton to make assessments.

I would also like to thank the ABC, who did a magnificent job yet again in a time of disaster. They stayed on air 24/7 and made sure that the whole community had reports that were up to date, timely and accurate. We gave the message over and over to everybody to have their ears tuned to the ABC. (Time expired)

Flood warnings for the Tweed, Richmond, Wilsons and Brunswick Rivers 21.05.09

Radar Image loop here.

It's a trifle wet and windy here on the NSW North Coast right now and this level of wind and water may see some or all of this blog's authors somewhat preoccupied over the next couple of days.

So enjoy North Coast Voices coming scheduled posts, as we watch river levels and cross fingers over electricity supply.

NSW Severe Weather Warning 1,

Coastal Wind Warning 1,

Flood Warning - Tweed River,
Flood Warning - Richmond/Wilsons,
Flood Warning - Brunswick River,

Flood Watch 1,

Update:

Flood Warning - Bellinger River,
Flood Warning - Orara River,

Update:

Flood Warning - Hastings River,

Update:

Flood Warning - Clarence River,

Flood Warning - Nambucca River,

State Emergency Service PH: 132 500 - requests for immediate emergency assistance

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre PH: 1800 227 228 - information about displaced person, road closures, welfare assistance etc.,

Emergency NSW www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

Severe weather expected in NSW North Coast and SE Queensland, Wednesday 20 May 2009

Top Priority for Immediate Broadcast
NSW SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
Flash Flooding, Damaging Winds
For people in Northern Rivers
Issued at 12:55 pm on Tuesday 19 May 2009
Synoptic Situation: 12:00 noon EST Tuesday

HEAVY RAIN DEVELOPING OVER THE NORTHEAST OF NSW FROM WEDNESDAY.

A strong upper low will move across southern Queensland during the next few days. As it moves eastwards, this system will generate a strong surface trough off the southern Queensland and northern NSW coast.

Heavy rain and damaging winds are expected to develop over the Northern Rivers late on Wednesday. Flash flooding is likely and wind gusts in excess of 90 km/hr may occur.

A separate Flood Watch has been issued for coastal rivers from the Queensland border to Nambucca.

Heavy rain and high winds are then expected to extend southwards into the Mid North Coast and westwards into the Northern Tablelands during Thursday.
Waves will also increase with dangerous surf conditions likely.
Maintain a close watch on forecasts and warnings for these districts.
Emergency services advise you to keep clear of fallen power lines, stay indoors away from windows and keep children indoors.

Emergency services advise do not enter flood water. Stay well clear of creeks, storm drains and causeways.

Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES [NSW and ACT] on telephone number 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 7:00 pm Tuesday

This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts; the Bureau's website at http://www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.

Goose stepping in all this rain.....

The rain came, the water rises. Since February our little creek has been out of its bed more times than an insomniac with diarrhoea.

The ground is as soft as half-set jelly and I've taken to going barefoot around the farm since I bogged the gum boots too many times to count.

One good thing to come out of the latest flood is that since it shorted out and then washed away the neighbour’s electric fence, I no longer have the continual ticking on the phone line which left an impression that the phone was going to blow up at any moment.

The new fully-automatic weather station I installed couldn't cope with both rainfall and blackouts so we are back using the old rain gauge - a large tin can and a measuring beaker.

It is more reliable that the electric, battery and solar powered gee whiz bang new weather station.
The main problem with the old tin is assessing the frog variable.
How much fluid do the frogs extract or add to the rainwater caught in a tin?

I must admit it has been very peaceful the last few months sitting listening to the rain on the tin roof.
Not much can be done outside until there is a break in the weather.

We've not had any visitors. Even the religious fraternity that use to turn up on our doorstep has taken to leaving pamphlets in our letter box on the main road - they may trust the Lord but not our rain raddled driveway.

The only animals that have completely enjoyed the past few months have been the geese.
They clearly believe they're meant to rule this new watery kingdom and are currently out harassing swans in their new found domain.

When not involved in that pursuit they march in squadrons over sodden pasture without sinking, as they go telling everything to stand clear for the new overlords.

They have definitely turned fascist. So as I sit here, with rain drumming on the roof, I am planning a counter-insurgence.
When the weather breaks the geese had better be on guard for I have found the receipe for pate de foie gras.

Water, water, everywhere....

Sitting here on the NSW North Coast congratulating myself on the blessed good fortune which meant that the weather has not dealt our region a really bad hand so far this year, it is hard to imagine the extremes experienced elsewhere.

This is the Burdekin Dam, northern Queensland in February 2009.

Thanks to Andrew, Monica, Samantha and Connor for the pics.

A word on climate change from a Crikey reader

In Crikey on 3 February:

Bruce Hore writes: I am no climate change scientist, but I do know:

• In Adelaide, we are having a week of temperatures over 40 degrees, peaking at 45.7 (hottest in 70 years). It's really f-cking hot!
• 20+ people a day are dying here due to heat related conditions. Why? Because it is really f-cking hot!
• We will have another 5-7 days over 35 degrees. It ain't 45, but it is still f-cking hot!
• Last year, we had 15 days in a row over 35 degrees (a record for an Oz metro centre). It was really f-cking hot then too.
• It is so f-cking hot that technology used by railways, tramlines and power companies all over the world, is failing here on a daily basis over a several week period.
• Adelaide had 100mm (15%+) less rainfall last year than on average.
• Adelaide had 1mm last month, 33+ mm less than usual. Its 2009 and, like financial redemption, there is no rain here either.
• The Murray and lower lakes are pretty much empty down this way (the Coorong is a mess), which I suspect doesn't get any coverage east of Bordertown. Old timers call it the worst it has ever been.

I am no climate change scientist, but I can tell you it is much hotter than it used to be with much less water around and the environment is suffering. We really need to change the way we use/treat the environment.

Scorching Australia: interviews with Wong, Lindesay and Evans on climate change

Photograph from the ABC

Australia's southern states are struggling through what is likely to be a once-in-a-century heat wave. ABC's Canberra correspondent, Linda Mottram in an extended interview with Doctor Janette Lindesay, associate professor of climatology, Australian National University last week.
Interview can be heard here:
Listen: Windows Media

An earlier interview with Julie Evans, meteorologist at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology in Sydney, Penny Wong, Australia's Climate Change Minister, Doctor Janette Lindesay, associate professor of climatology, Australian National University can be heard here:
Listen: Windows Media

ABC News report on last year's southern heatwave.

Hot times on the old farm........

You know the temperature is rising when:

• You go to feed the fish in the pond and there is a black snake doing laps in the pool.
• The chooks refuse to leave the shed and start demanding ice in their water.
• The cows spend all day in the swamp, they turn into hippopotacows.
• The ants only get half way up the wall before they give up.
• Frogs fight one another for a place in the shower while you are using it.
• Ice does not melt it evaporates.
• No matter how much you drink there is not enough for a good pee.
• Dogs don’t want to go for a ride in the paddock basher.
• The blue tongue lizard moves from under the peach tree to under the couch in the living room.
• Politicians say they know what they are doing.
• The corners of the paddock keep curling up.
• The wire in the fences melt.
• The Cat sleeps for 25 hours a day instead of the usual 23 hours.
• Wasps and hornets decide to walk rather than fly.

Add your own favourites in the comments box

Still time to get your entry in for the 2010 Bureau of Meteorology calendar

The Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society's Australian Weather Calendar photography competition for the 2010 calendar will close on 31 March 2009.

Still time for photographer's on the NSW North Coast to send off their favourite lucky weather photo to see if the Northern Rivers can be represented in the next calendar.

This is definitely a for the love of it competition, but lots of fun if you make the final cut.

Entries must have a meteorological theme, such as clouds, thunderstorms, lightning, rainbows or tornadoes.

Entries must be provided initially as photographic prints, at a minimum size of 15x10 cm. Digital pictures must be a minimum size of 5MB uncompressed (about 1700 x 1150 pixels), such as are produced by 2 megapixel cameras. No more than 10 entries per person are permitted.

Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form that contains details of any and all digital alteration to images.
Photographers must be willing to provide the image in its original format (negative, transparency or digital file) if the picture is shortlisted.

Winning photographers are awarded three complimentary calendars. No prizemoney is offered. All rights associated with the images are retained by the photographer.

Entries must be sent to:

Weather Calendar Competition,
Public Affairs Group,
Bureau of Meteorology,
GPO Box 1289,
MELBOURNE VIC 3001

More information:Telephone (03) 9669 4668, fax: (03) 9669 4113, e-mail: librarypic@bom.gov.au

NSW North Coast storm season safety check list

Northern Rivers storm, January 2003

Courtesy of The Northern Star on Thursday:

A BLIZZARD of flying hail and roaring wind so loud it masked the sound of a falling tree marked yesterday’s arrival of the storm season.

Scenes of destruction were most obvious just south of Byron Bay, at Suffolk Park, where stripped vegetation littered the ground and the smell of eucalypt and pine wafted in the air.

Be Storm Safe!

Before Storm Season

• Ensure you have an emergency kit with first aid supplies, tinned food and clean containers for drinking water ready just in case.
  
• Prune tree branches well clear of your house or fences.
  
• Have a portable radio and torch with fresh batteries handy.
  
• It is good to have some emergency supplies such as masking tape for glass and plastic sheeting for emergency rain protection.
  
• Clear your yard of loose objects that could become airborne.
  
• Check and clear roof, guttering and downpipes of leaves and debris.

Keep yourself informed as the storm approaches

• Listen to your local radio for updates.
  
• Make sure your pets and animals are safe and protected from the elements.
  
• If possible put your cars under cover or protect them with tarpaulins.
  
• Disconnect all electrical appliances at the wall to avoid electrical surges.
  
• If the storm is severe take precautionary action and put tape across large windows in an X pattern.

When the storm hits

• Stay inside and keep clear of windows. Don't venture outside as you may put yourself in danger unnecessarily.
  
• If you find yourself caught outdoors when the storm hits, find emergency shelter but not under a tree. Stay away from any fallen powerlines and fallen trees.
  
• Listen to your portable radio for storm updates.
  
• Avoid using a land-line telephone during a storm.

When the storm subsides

• Listen to local radio for official warnings/advice.
  
• Check to see if your house has suffered any damage.
  
• Make sure your neighbours and friends are unharmed and see if they need any help.
  
• Beware of potential dangers such as fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees or flooded watercourses.

Emergency Contacts

State Emergency Service:
For emergency assistance with house damage, and/or advice about temporary accommodation, food and clothing, phone the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

Country Energy
For power failure, water leaks and blockages, fallen power lines, or other electrical problems contact the Country Energy customer service centre at 81-83 Molesworth Street Lismore or phone 13 20 80.

Storm tracker here.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for DESTRUCTIVE WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DESTRUCTIVE WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

This warning cancelled by BOM at 8.25pm

Northern Rivers severe weather warning 4 September 2008 - don't leave home without those wellies!

Top Priority for Immediate Broadcast
NSW SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
Flash Flooding.
For people inthe Northern Rivers
Issued at 11:25 am on Thursday 4 September 2008

Synoptic Situation: 9:00 am EST Thursday
A trough over southeastern Queensland is expected to deepen and form a low in the vicinity of Cape Byron early Friday.
It should then move southwards to be located east of Port Macquarie by late afternoon.
Rainfall over the area is expected during today and should increase further overnight on the Northern Rivers district.
Heavy rain and flash flooding look most likely on the northern half of the North Coast overnight, extending to the southern parts during Friday morning.
Rain should ease from the north during the day, and mostly clear by Friday night.
Winds are expected to become strong and gusty, but at this stage are not expected to exceed mean speeds of 65km/hr.

Emergency services advise do not enter flood water.
Stay well clear of creeks, storm drains and causeways.

The next warning is due to be issued by 5pm Thursday.
This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts; the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.