Disaster minister’s leave arrangements defended by government
The Queensland government has defended the minister responsible for flood recovery after booking furlough that coincided with the state’s peak summer disaster season.
Parts of the central and northern Queensland coast received a third of their annual rainfall over the Christmas and New Year period; Some towns between Cairns and Townsville recorded over 1,300 millimeters of rainfall.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines said flooding had reached moderate levels in coastal parts of central and northern Queensland, but widespread inland rainfall had led to major flooding in Flinders and Florida. western rivers.
“This part of the country averages 450 to 600 millimeters of rain per year, so for some of these spots, that’s the equivalent of a year’s worth of precipitation falling in about a week into late 2025,” Hines said.
Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie said Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy “actually did not go on leave” despite criticism of furlough arrangements that were scheduled to begin as heavy rain hit the state’s north.
“He canceled his leave the day he went on leave… he works every day,” Bleijie said from the Sunshine Coast, where he spoke to the media about funding for police helicopters in the area.
Leahy did not travel to North Queensland but met with mayors in affected areas and attended disaster management committee meetings online.
As the rains eased starting Wednesday, Hines said inland areas may not have seen the worst of the flooding.
“The Flinders River is currently experiencing major flooding and river levels are actually [in that region] “It’s well above major flood stage,” Hines said.
“There will probably be major flooding for a few days, but it will probably last for at least a few weeks; it will take a long time for the floodwaters to recede in that part of the country.”
Bleijie said the Queensland Local Government Association’s peak body praised Leahy for providing “the most engagement they have ever seen from a disaster recovery minister”.
“From the reports I have received from LGAQ and others, they could not be happier with their support. [they’ve had] and what Ann did,” he said.
At least one person has died in floodwaters since the storms hit the region; On Tuesday, emergency services recovered the body of a man in his 70s from a submerged vehicle near the town of Normanton, on the banks of the Flinders River in the state’s north-west.
Hines said some rainfall would fall in Cairns and Townsville over the weekend, which could lead to minor flooding, but he said river levels were down from levels recorded earlier in the week.
The weather bureau maintained major and minor flood warnings for two dozen rivers in the state on Friday.
Start your day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
