³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

As the current threat to Townsville has reduced the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) is urging the community to stay informed and avoid complacency with further rainfall expected.

TLDMG Chair Andrew Robinson said rainfall is expected to continue and with the Ross River’s levels remaining high residents should continue to stay informed and safe while cleaning up.

“While most people have begun the clean up from the recent severe weather, we want to make sure people are staying not only up to date with any weather, but safe in the clean up,” Cr Robinson said.

“Our Council crews are out cleaning up, clearing trees from roads and patching potholes, but we want people to make sure they’re keeping themselves safe in their own clean-up efforts.”

Public Health Unit director Dr Steven Donohue has urged the community to protect themselves against injury and disease during the clean-up.

“Flood waters are heavily contaminated with hazards including dirt and debris and can carry harmful bacteria including those causing uncommon diseases like melioidosis and leptospirosis,” Dr Donohue said.

“Contaminated water and mud can be serious health risks for people, particularly vulnerable community members like the sick, elderly or diabetics.

“Don’t rush the cleanup. Please leave it to fit and healthy people wearing boots, gloves, and appropriate clothing.

“Some things people can do to protect themselves during the clean-up are avoid direct contact with floodwater and mud, wear protective boots and gloves, and wash their hands often with soap.

“People should also be applying insect repellent, and wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing and closed-in footwear.

“It is very important people cover up any wounds, no matter how minor.

“If you have a wound or cut then clean it immediately, apply antiseptic, and apply a waterproof dressing.

“Mould is something residents may notice over the coming days. It can be smelly and unsightly, but it is not a serious health hazard unless you have an underlying allergy, serious lung issues or immune suppression. Avoid cleaning up mould if you have medical risks. Cleaning mould requires gloves and preferably a face mask.”

Councillor Robinson said Council takes the safety of the community seriously, which not only includes the mammoth clean-up effort but includes Council teams conducting infrastructure, park and playground assessments and Environmental Health checks.

“Our teams have been out conducting water quality tests at our public pools and are draining the Rockpool to get these facilities open again as quickly as possible, we need to do everything in our power to avoid people getting sick,” Cr Robinson said.

“Our Environmental Health team have also been out and assessed and cleared more than 100 businesses in the black zone as safe to return to business operations.

“We ask that the community report any damage or safety concerns across Townsville to Council, either on the website, by calling 13 48 10, or logging it on the Snap Send Solve app.

Councillor Robinson advised disaster assistance was available for flood impacted residents in targeted areas of Townsville.

“The State Government has extended the impact zone and included a number of new suburbs eligible for grants, including Black River, Bluewater, Cungulla, Paluma and Majors Creek to name a few,” he said.

“There are also a number of community recovery hubs around Townsville for anyone who needs help whether that be housing or financial assistance which has been set up by the State Government in the Upper Ross, Cungulla, Deeragun, Bluewater and Rollingstone.”