Remarks - Brisbane

Transcript
Brisbane
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
Hon Steven Miles MP
Premier of Queensland

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: It's been good for myself and the Premier to take the opportunity to be properly briefed on what is occurring in Queensland with these weather events. It's also an opportunity for us to thank those frontline workers who are doing such an extraordinary job, whether they be people from the SES who are engaged in rescues, whether it be people from fire and emergency services or police and, of course, the Australian Defence Force present here today as well. We will provide whatever support we can as the Federal Government to Queensland as it goes through this difficult time. We've received briefings about the weather events here, including flood events here, flash flooding, in places like Moreton Bay, that have had an impact on local communities. Fortunately, at this point in time, there's been no injuries or loss of life during these events. And that, of course, is very welcomed. But we remain concerned about the events here in South East Queensland but also the events in Western Queensland, where the flooding that has occurred is expected to continue to have an impact as it flows down to Birdsville from places like Julia Creek and others in the North West over coming weeks. So, one of the big messages that we're reminded to give is - if it's flooding, forget it. Don't risk it. Do the right thing. Do the safe thing by yourself, by your family and by your community.

STEVEN MILES, PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND: Thanks, Prime Minister. We saw very heavy rainfall overnight in many parts of our state here in the South East as well as in Western Queensland. In Western Queensland, there continues to be floodwaters that will flow through that system for up to three to four weeks. Here in the South East, waters are receding and there was some flooding in the CBD. But we continue to be concerned about parts of Moreton Bay. It's really so saturated that wherever the rainfall falls, we could see flash flooding. So, if you live in low-lying areas, for example, around Beachmere, please keep an eye on the warnings. And if you're concerned, contact the SES. In an emergency, dial 000. If the road is flooded, forget it. And please just take care of yourselves and your neighbours. There's been 39 swift water rescues. Our emergency services are doing a great job but they're already stretched. They've been activated effectively since early in December and now could see ongoing flooding events for the next three to four weeks.