Please remember all who died in the Queensland floods
11th January, 2012
LEADER of The Nationals and Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss has asked Australians to also remember the forgotten victims from last summer’s floods, noting that 13 lives were lost before the inland tsunami hit the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and Ipswich regions.“It is, of course, appropriate that we mourn the tragic losses brought home to us all in the wake of the devastating waters that swept away Grantham, engulfed Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane and so quickly took many lives,” Mr Truss said.
“But we must not forget those who died before January 10. Floodwaters raged from late November 2010 before the wall of water hit the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and Ipswich — in that preceding period, 13 people perished in rural and regional Queensland’s north.
“The pain of their loved ones is no less today. Their stories just as worthy. We should remember them too and recognise that all 35 flood victims count.
“My sympathies go out to all the families and friends of those lost in the horrific torrent that exploded onto the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and Ipswich and which shook this nation to its core.
“But I also extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the forgotten victims who died in communities as widespread as Mareeba, Dysart, Tannum Sands, Condamine, the Sunshine Coast and Cherbourg (in my own electorate).
“I urge people to remember all 35 Queensland flood victims and remember that the very real grief of the families of South East Queensland was also felt by families who suffered similar losses in northern parts of the state.
“All deaths from the floods that swamped around 75% of Queensland deserve to be counted and remembered.”
[ENDS]
