Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has criticized the recent update to the Bureau of Meteorology’s website, blaming it for leaving south-east residents unprepared for severe weekend storms. Speaking in state parliament, Crisafulli emphasized the importance of preparation, which he argued is contingent on accessible and reliable information.
The changes to the federally managed website have been met with widespread disapproval. “Easy access to individual radars has been removed. The color scheme we became accustomed to has changed, and platitudes from Canberra won’t cut it with Queenslanders,” Crisafulli stated, highlighting the disconnect between local needs and federal actions.
Political Tensions and Legislative Responses
Amid interjections from the Labor opposition, Crisafulli accused them of prioritizing their federal counterparts over the needs of Queenslanders. Treasurer David Janetzki furthered this sentiment, revealing he had communicated “significant concerns” to federal minister Murray Watt regarding the site’s functionality, which has been under fire since its launch last Wednesday during severe weather conditions in southern states.
Queensland MPs returned to state parliament for one of the final sessions of the year, marking the anniversary of their election with discussions on achievements across various sectors, including housing, crime, and health. However, discourse around the weather bureau’s website and the ongoing storm recovery efforts dominated proceedings.
Storm Aftermath and School Closures
Sunday’s storms have prompted continued school closures, with Brookfield and Upper Brookfield state schools remaining shut. Meanwhile, Centenary State High School has reopened, and St Peters Lutheran College in Indooroopilly remains closed for most students due to power outages, although exams for Year 12 students continue.
Water supply issues at Boondall State School, caused by a burst pipe, have also disrupted operations. Students have been advised to bring bottled water as repairs are underway. Thousands of properties, including those in Brookfield, Pullenvale, and other suburbs, remain without power as cleanup efforts progress.
Road Safety Concerns Amid Rising Fatalities
As Queensland grapples with storm recovery, attention is also turning to road safety. This year, 250 people have died on the state’s roads, with the potential to surpass last year’s total of 302 fatalities. This represents a stark increase compared to the previous five-year average, prompting concern from road safety advocates.
“We’re staring down the barrel of a 16-year record no one wants to break,” RACQ’s Head of Public Policy Dr. Michael Kane warned, highlighting the urgency of addressing this trend.
Before the pandemic, Queensland saw its lowest road death toll in decades, but recent years have reversed this progress. RACQ’s projections suggest that if current trends persist, annual road fatalities could exceed 400 by 2032.
Community Remembrance and Safety Advocacy
In the midst of these challenges, the community gathers in Moorooka to remember Manmeet Sharma, a bus driver tragically killed in 2016. The RTBU has organized a memorial at Manmeet’s Paradise, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve bus driver safety and honor Sharma’s legacy.
“This isn’t just about looking back, it’s about keeping our promise,” the RTBU Queensland branch stated. “That we’ll never stop fighting for bus driver safety, and that Manmeet’s legacy will never fade.”
Meanwhile, bushfire incidents continue to pose a threat, with 86 active incidents reported across Queensland, including significant fires on North Stradbroke Island and Tamborine. Fire warnings remain in place, urging residents to stay informed.
As Brisbane residents navigate these multifaceted challenges, the community’s resilience and commitment to safety and preparedness remain at the forefront of recovery efforts. The ongoing dialogue between state and federal entities will be crucial in addressing the immediate and long-term needs of Queenslanders.
