High-power flood clean-up: Mitchell QLD

Now I've shown you the damage done to our home and property by the flood of the Maranoa River in Mitchell, around 3 February 2012, I thought I'd give you a snapshot of the clean up, with the last of the depressing photos.

There are no photos of the many friends, neighbours and council workers who helped Doug, but there are some of the RACQ Disaster team in action, and also the army carrying out rolls of sodden mud-filled carpet. The RACQ (Royal Auto Club of Queensland) team, dressed in yellow vests, carted out all the wrecked furniture and belongings, and then high-pressure hosed and swept out the interior of the house.

Bully Harrison knocked over the remains of the front fence and took it away. Thanks, Bully.

As I've mentioned, our caravan is a write-off so we're now in the process of trying to purchase another, large enough to live in for at least one year -- while we rebuild.

Doug's 1940 Plymouth sedan is now with Athol, a fellow car enthusiast and friend who lives in Mitchell. It's been very badly damaged.

I'll include a view from the house to the river. Formerly we couldn't see the river because of the dense vegetation growing alongside. Huge river red gums, as well as other eucalypts, acacias and shrubs lined the river. Most of these were swept away, such was the force of the water flowing down the Maranoa River, the fastest flowing river in Queensland.

My aim, in showing you the last of these flood damage photos, has not been one of self-pity. On the contrary, Doug and I realise we're fortunate to have a home on Phillip Island, and also to be insured. With 80 per cent of the town suffering the after-effects of severe flood damage, Mitchell is hurting. We hurt in sympathy and understanding.

Our daily contact with friends and neighbours keeps us in touch. Mosquitoes, sand flies, snakes and temperatures in the high 30s C make the clean-up difficult. Many people are feeling depressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated by government departments and insurance companies; and yes, fearful too, in case further floods occur.

I'll continue to keep you in touch with Mitchell (though from distant Phillip Island) -- but there will be no more depressing photos.