Brisbane Australia Relief

TONY EASTLEY: In Ipswich south-west of Brisbane there was relief when residents in low lying areas learnt that water levels wouldn't be as high as predicted.

But flooding is still causing major problems. More than 3,000 properties have been damaged and thousands of people are still living with friends and family or at evacuation centres.

Michael Edwards is in Ipswich and he filed this report.

MICHAEL EDWARDS: It looks more like a lake than a central business district. Large parts of Ipswich are under deep floodwaters. Instead of using cars people are getting around in dinghies.

Ipswich Councillor Trevor Nardi gave AM a tour of the main flooded area in his boat.

Where are we now?

TREVOR NARDI: We're in Brisbane Street in Ipswich and here yesterday over the Coles building over here people were in there frantically buying goods for the provisions and here we are today and it's over the top of the roof.

MICHAEL EDWARDS: Dozens of buildings are completely washed out. Debris and rubbish are everywhere. Trevor Nardi estimates that at least 30 per cent of Ipswich's main district is underwater.

How does this compare to 1974?

TREVOR NARDI: My feeling is it's probably not quite as bad and I shouldn't say that because this is definitely bad. So this is very serious and probably a lot more expensive than 1974 but I feel as though '74 may have been just a touch higher than where it is at the moment.

MICHAEL EDWARDS: Trevor Nardi's hunch proved to be accurate. Late yesterday, the predicted flood peak was revised downwards. It had been feared the Bremer River would rise to the potentially catastrophic level of 22 metres.

Hydrologists are now confident it won't get much higher than 19.5 metres. It was good news for flood-weary residents.

LOCAL 1: Yeah it's a big relief. I think we dodged a very, very big bullet because with the lack of the rain today and yesterday I think it's helped us an awful lot.

LOCAL 2: Excellent. Hopefully it's saved our second storey of the home, it hasn't breached it. If that's the case, that'll be great.

MICHAEL EDWARDS: But Ipswich's problems are far from over. More than 3,000 properties have been damaged by the flooding. Electricity is cut in many areas and shops are running out of supplies.

LOCAL: How are you going there mate?

MICHAEL EDWARDS: This store is out fresh milk, just one of the basic items quickly becoming a rarity.

So you're all out of milk are you?

SHOP GUY: Yeah, yeah.

MICHAEL EDWARDS: All out of anything other than long life milk?

SHOP GUY: Yeah, that's all we've got.

MICHAEL EDWARDS: To add to the city's woes there have also been reports of looting taking place. It's an increasingly frustrating situation for the thousands forced to flee their homes.

(Chatter)

MICHAEL EDWARDS: Many have found temporary refuge at one of the city's evacuation centres; the main one is at the showgrounds. Many of the people here are tired and nervous, fearful of what will be revealed when the water eventually does recede.

You've just moved here from your house?

LOCAL 1: Yeah, went under this morning from north Ipswich. Yeah, just got nothing.

TONY EASTLEY: A resident at an evacuation centre in Ipswich, the reporter Michael Edwards.