Posted by jeff h on January 13, 2011 at 5:41am
Thursday 13 Jan: 3:30 pm update
The Brisbane river peaked early this morning and is now receding. Our venue, Bardon Conference Centre, is not one of the immediately affected areas, and whilst right now it would be impossible for many to reach by road, it is anticipated that these roads will be clear by this weekend, leaving a full week for the inner city to recover before the DrupalDownunder weekend.
Therefore, we would like to reassure all attendees that DrupalDownunder is still progressing, and we see no foreseeable circumstances to change this at this stage.
Updates are being posted at http://drupaldownunder.org/flood-update
Comments
Venue has been inspected
I have personally visited the Bardon Conference Centre (the venue for DrupalDownunder) this afternoon and can confirm that it has not been effected in any way by the QLD floods.
I can also report from where I live in Toowong (behind Regatta Hotel), which has been effected and is only a couple of suburb outside the city along the river. The levels of the Brisbane river has already receded considerably from its peak this morning. I suspect we will likely have some closed road for the coming few days causing disruptions to normal traffic flows. But the airport has remained open and operational for the entire duration of these floods. And while there are many major roads still closed even if we were to have this event this weekend there is no reason the floods should effect itself the event in any major way.
Chris
strain on resources and helath and safety issues
Having lived through QLD and NNSW floods before and this one being so damaging, I am concerned more about health and safety. Also as was just mentioned to me in a forum chat, "adding more people to disaster zone not good. its not just the venue; its drain on resources etc".
So it might be ok for local people to attend but is it really right for external people to place that extra pressure on Brisbane now when it just does not need it? It is only a date we can move it and it will be the safest option for all involved.
It is not just the venue we need to secure, accommodation, transport, food, someone might get sick and need medical support etc? Sorry to be a stick in the mud but it is a national disaster zone, and there is always later this year and next year.
Anyways interested to hear peoples feedback about this and how they feel. I am only one voice so I am in no way dictating what should be done but raising some concerns as we do have international and interstate guests coming.
From what I've seen on TV
From what I've seen on TV this is going to take a lot longer than a week to clean up, and while the conference venue may be ok that doesn't mean that things like accommodation will be. I also got a call from my parents in Gladstone this afternoon and they are currently preparing for a potential cyclone and more rain so it may be premature to say everything is fine now.
I would also be seriously worried about the potential for mosquitoes, ross river and dengue fever. We had a travel advisory issued today for my department here in Tas so at this point I'm waiting to find out if I will even be allowed to travel. I'm guessing that for people whose work payed for their conference and travel costs that this may also be a factor at play.
Talked to my parents this
Talked to my parents this morning and news still isn't good. My mum up in Gladstone is currently locking everything down and doing cyclone prep, there has been violence breaking out over essentials in Coles. They are also food rationing, if you want bread you have to wait in line and wait for them to bake it for you with a limit to 1 loaf per person.
My dad is in West End in Brisbane and he is saying that the water where he is is still up and there is an overwhelming smell of raw sewage. Roads where he is are still closed as well so access to fresh food if it exists is going to be an issue.
My department pulled the plug on me traveling at this point so for anyone heading up or currently in Brisbane good luck and have fun.
Cyclones are a part of every
Cyclones are a part of every Queensland summer (specifically north QLD) and its normally to have a few each year threatening the coast. It is very rare that they come as far down as Brisbane. Gladstone is a long way (400Km+) north of Brisbane. The current reports of the cyclone in question is it will not come anywhere near the coast and at worst may cause some large swells on the coast, Brisbane itself is generally protected from these swells by Moreton Bay.
Update Jan 14 11.30am
We think it's still too early to be making the call to cancel the event. At this stage, all systems are go but we are watching and monitoring the situation. We will wait and see what the effect of a couple of days are — when the flood waters subside to see what the true extent of damage is to Brisbane.
As mentioned the venue is all ready and we've heard from Central Summit Apartments that they are trading as usual. In fact, in coming you may be boosting the economy of a now—struggling region. Most people are staying at Central Summit which means that vehicle access is not congesting any roads as Bardon has provided complimentary buses from Central to get everyone to and from the venue.
We are certainly keeping our ears to the ground and taking note of any reports that are coming through.
We're watching the weather: as of this morning, currently no prediction of any further adverse weather which would affect the Brisbane region. Re: the potential cyclone: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ There is no cyclone heading for the coast and BOM is dealing specifically with Norfolk Island. We're going to have to rely on authorities to update us regarding any possible threat to the mainland. People tend to panic with the hint of a cyclone (I'm a Gladstone girl myself) but until BOM actually indicate that this is a threat then we are operating on the belief that this is not an issue. They are currently indicating that this cyclone is moving away from the coast.
News from the airport: At this stage, the airport is open and running as per usual. For today: all non-essential travel is not recommended but we're waiting to have this confirmed on Monday if the situation remains the same. Of course, if you were to arrive in Brisbane today or over the weekend it would not be recommended as the flood waters are still subsiding and the extent of damage has not yet been assessed.
Regarding health issues: what we've been told is that anyone helping with the clean-up should dress appropriately and take precautions but there are no warnings issued to the wider public.
Obviously some areas will be worse than others and the clean up will take longer in those areas. Just to reassure people, the venue and accommodation are confirmed to be fully operational already.
RE: fresh food — indeed there is fresh food in the city. :) For the people who cannot access their usual shops, emergency outlets are opening to provide fresh food and essentials. Again, this is describing the situation today. We will assess the situation again on Monday to see how things are developing. Water is indeed subsiding very rapidly (in our area it's dropped significantly allowing authorities to gain access this morning to our suburb which was completely flooded in as of yesterday afternoon) and the clean-up is already underway.
We're focusing on what we do know (from authorities) and we'd encourage everyone to be patient while we await more information over the next few days.
We will keep you all posted with another update on Monday but again, just to reassure everyone at this stage, we're still operating as all systems go.
Regards,
Jeff and Sheree
marmaladesoul.com
Food
A city can't survive without food for more than a few days. If it's an issue by the 22nd you're talking about anarchy. It will be fine.
Resources and Strain
I think it is more the strain on resources and the fact that there is health concerns. After a flood the water subsides and then it smells and it reaks and you need to clean it and the water is normally contaiminated. There is normally debree from oil to human feces to dead animals. The health warnings are not for those just cleaning up but for anyone neard areas that flooded or where flooded water still resides. If you are not used to it you can get very bad Giardia/Gastro, it used to happen a lot uin Byron Bay to all the tourists around flood time the hospitals would be inundated, something to think about? For a city to be classifed as a natural disaster and im still getting emails from Energex saying we still might power down more substations and DC's.
The other thing is the lack of fresh/clean water and that treatment plants were submerged which means run off in the flood water. The whole entire ferry system on the Brisbane river has been destroyed and there are still major effects on public transport. We are lucky as we are in Australia and we can just book an interstate flight etc wait to the last minute. But what about our international guests as they need time to make adjustments etc to their travel. Just some food for thought.
You are really selling it to
You are really selling it to me
never been a salesman ;)
Hey Alex,
Im just raising concerns I mean it is the largest natural disaster we have had in what thirty something years so it is kind of not your normal situation (i.e normal east coast monsoon yearly floods). I am thinking about everyone's health and safety. It is up to everyone to make a decision that best suits them :D
Can we please let the
Can we please let the organizers decide if it's on or off?
amaree - it will be fine
this is brisbane not calcutta! - i will personally drive you in a freshly scented car to fine cafes with nice food and hotels with lavendar scented sheets - plus a box of tissues
we will have fun! - i might even find some bottled water for you !
still considering
I want to be there but i will make my decision closer to the date, cheers for offer :D I need to consider my health everyone is different.
Followup
Hi all,
Let's try to keep to the facts of the situation and try and cite where we are getting our information.
We're concentrating of focusing on what the authorities are saying and not on the hype that some of the media are presenting. There is no doubt that this is a terrible situation but if we keep to the facts then that removes any hype and we can make an informed decision.
For example, Lord Mayor of Brisbane Cr Newman said 24 hours ago that there had been "a number of furphies and rumours going around'' about the safety of the city's drinking water, but said there was no problem with the water supply.
He also stated yesterday that, "There is capacity in the hilltop reservoirs around the city of Brisbane for two to three days should the power go out''.
IF the power was cut there are reservoirs to cater and obviously should it go out they are not expecting it to last any more than the two or three days stated otherwise the Lord Mayor would have given a warning stating as such.
We are keeping an ear out for any official reports regarding health and safety and will, of course, make an informed decision based on the facts of the situation.
Jeff
Notice how it's people that
Notice how it's people that aren't in Brisbane that think this is a huge issue? Please stop trying to sabotage what will otherwise be an awesome event.
strong words
I dont think anyone is trying to sabotage and that is harsh words you chose to use there, people are raising concerns and for corporates who are paying for their staff to attend these things could be an issue?
DDU Is A Go GO!
Hey All!
Here's a little boost for anyone who maybe getting cold or shall I say "wet" feet about next weeks conference!
My dad is from Vancouver, Canada. He is a conference speaker for an International Missions Association and flew into Brisbane today to head to a conference that starts TOMORROW in TOOWOOMBA! If the rest of the world can get on with it then Im thinking as DDU Reps we certainly can lead the way!!
If you are concerned about your impact on the communities resources - how about flying into Brisbane a day or two early to help with the clean up? If you are concerned about the lack of food and medical supplies then you obviously don't understand how much Brisbane (and all of Qld) relies on tourism and this is EXACTLY the type of business that will help our city get back on its feet!
If you are concerned about Ross River and Dengue Fever then you should know that in Qld this is ALWAYS a risk - bring RID!
But seriously if you are concerned for your life then perhaps dont drive while you are visiting us because that will statistically be the riskiest thing you do the whole time you are there - I guarantee it!
Having only watched Channel 9
Having only watched Channel 9 and read The Courier Mail online, I'm mainly worried about being EATEN BY SHARKS whilst walking down the street.
We'll be there ;-)
He he! That gave me a good
He he! That gave me a good laugh. Look out for the crocs and snakes too!
I thought my experience of the recent Christchurch earthquake might offer an interesting perspective here;
I was out of town when the quake hit. What I saw in the media had me believe I wouldn't be able to go home for weeks. When I got home a few days after the quake (as planned) I was stunned by the realism of some buildings and cracks in other parts of the city. But mostly I was underwhelmed with what the media had led me to expect. The media loves to portray complete devastation, since that is what sells. In reality, small focussed areas of Canterbury, and old un-reinforced buildings, were heavily effected.
For example, our house and anything within about 300m was unscathed (with the exception of a few chimneys). 400m away large cracks appeared in buildings and walls were crumbling. 1km away some buildings were flattened. 20km away (but further from the epicentre) there were cracks 2m deep in the earth. The only tangible damage that the majority of Christchurch residents (like us) experienced was broken furniture and kitchen-things. The impact of the stress and fear was much worse for most; births and heart attacks doubled in the weeks following the quake.
(Although those who lost their homes or experienced significant damage were a minority, small fractions of big numbers are still big numbers.)
To re-emphasize what others are saying here; If you need important or accurate information, do not rely on mainstream media or news channels. Even twitter and your colleague's aunty (or your own family) are not necessarily reliable; People love to exaggerate and pass on only the most extreme news — including me. Instead seek information from authorities, such as the city council, emergency services, police etc. Or in our case, the conference organisers.
Another major factor is infrastructure. The earthquake in Haiti was the same magnitude as the Christchurch earthquake. Deaths in Haiti; 240,000. Christchurch; Zero. Having emergency & support services and infrastructure in place makes a big difference. So do enforced building standards & regulations.
Of course a flood is quite different to an earthquake. However it is fairly obvious that only parts (some? most?) of Brisbane that are close to the rivers (or have poor run-off?) are heavily affected. It sounds like parts which only got a metre or so of water are recovering quickly or already recovered.
One more note; like Brisbane, Christchurch's economy depends heavily on tourism. One of the most significant fears in the week following were the businesses that would get cancellations and not get the revenue they had been expecting. (The government (EQC) does not provide any cover for this.) While that fear was managed very carefully in the media and did not become a significant issue, the diversions and road closures in the CBD did have a big impact on Christmas shoppers, who instead spent their money at suburban malls which were not affected by road closures, diversions and lack of parking.
So as for me; unless DrupalDownunder.org/flood-update recommends otherwise (and I'm checking everyday), I will be there, supporting the cleanup efforts by helping to keep the economy afloat.
And I look forward to meeting you all there!
Dale; that's a bummer about your department's travel advisory and restrictions. Perhaps if you presented to them the facts about the specific places you are going to be, an exception could be made?
Bevan/
Health info
Obviously there is a risk but that risk is mainly for people who are living in areas affected by the flood.
-- Public health physician Dr Margaret Young warns residents should avoid entering any floodwaters despite being eager to return home. "At the extreme end most deaths from flooding result from people trying to drive, walk or swim through floodwaters. There's a whole range of bugs that can be present in flood water and certainly there's a number of diseases that can occur," says Dr Young."
Will keep you posted if we hear anything alerting the public in general regarding health risks.
Cheers,
Sheree
marmaladesoul.com
Looking Forward to it
One of the big things which affected the towns near the firezone but not in the firezone in feb09 was the drop in income for businesses due to people doing the "right thing" and staying away. As long as the people on the ground are telling us that everything's cool then it's a good thing for businesses in Bris for us to be there.
Bernie
Perhaps a little less drama?
Howdy folks,
@Bernie is spot on - so long as the authorities and locals say it's fine, then I'll take their words for it, and bring my dollars into the economy to help with the recovery.
I've also been tracking the reactions of delegates to both DDU and LCA - and there are some common threads exaggerating the drama. Yes it's bad up there, and for many folk, absolutely tragic. But seriously, let's all just chill, and as the locals say, check the facts.
I've contacted my accommodation - iStay - and they said they were without power, but expected that to be back on by tomorrow, and everything else is back to normal by next week. They said the CBD wasn't as badly hit as expected, and don't anticipate any problems.
LCA's venue is at QUT - actually on the river - and they're very much expecting to go ahead, unless told otherwise by Premiers office and Brisbane City council, with whom they are liaising. They are holding off any dramatic announcements until Monday, when there's been more time to assess the situation.
The Bardon conference center is high and dry from what I can tell from maps - And seriously - if it really was worst case scenario - grubbing in and helping out isn't such a bad thing. I'm coming unless the army tells me not to. ;)
Donna Benjamin
Former Board Member Drupal Association (2012-2018)
@kattekrab
First World Problem?
I'll be there!
I think some people in this thread are overacting. It was a flood in a major developed city, not some small village in a developing country. Sure, some things might not be 100%, but overall things should be working well enough. $50 says Brisbane will have better infrastructure by the time DDU is running when compared to some of the places I've been to over the couple of years.
If you want a perfectly functioning city, then it's probably best you stay home. If you want to come to a great event and possibly have to deal with a few minor inconveniences, then come to DDU.
@Dale Risk management departments are one of the reasons why I don't miss working for government agencies - all panic and procedures without any reality checks.
The risk stuff that was
The risk stuff that was coming through was more for things like mosquito spread disease. A lot of it though is due to the fact that if I anyone gets sick while in Brisbane they are directly liable as were on work time.
At this point I'm out for this one due to both government procedure and also the fact that I just lost my accommodation so everyone have fun.
A report from the ground
If your interested in seeing the actual effected areas in Brisbane Near Map have photos of most of Brisbane from Thursday 13th around the time of the peak (the images actually appear to be just after the peak, as you can see some dry mud above the water line where the actual peak was). You can then go back to a previous date to see the difference and where the water normally is.
If you have been following the media you probably have heard the comparison to the 1974 floods and how we were spared an event of that magnitude, we really were and the difference between 1974 and 2011 for some people was really the difference between no water in their place and being completely inundated to their roofs in water. Here is the levels on the Regatta Hotel, in Toowong just around the corner from my place, showing where it reached in 1974 and then where it got to in 2011 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/36872397@N06/5355853649/
This morning I have been out helping some friends doing some cleanup and so have personally been through a few of the effected areas. The person I was helping lives in the first floor of a unit complex and had half a meter of water through their unit. They were lucky in that they moved all their furniture to units above them and today they are now almost back to normal, apart from not having carpet (destroyed) and waiting for power to be restored (electricians have to to declare their property ok).
The water has completely gone from most areas. There is an army of people cleaning every effected street I went through. The actual army itself is also out everywhere, they were in my street this morning with equipment pumping out water from an office block basement car park which was filled.
The fact is the picture today is a completely different story to 48hrs ago when the rivers peaked and I suspect in another couple of days it will be a completely different story again.
The CBD is open again now for normally weekend business and was mostly unaffected. What I am hearing is that almost all offices in the CBD will be open for normal business from Monday morning again.
I have been to the shops in areas heavily effect and there is certainly a shortage of some supplies (personally I think we take for granted how easy we have it these days, I think people can survive a few days without some milk).
My suggestion for that those with plans in place to come to Brisbane next weekend and unsure what to do, to consider holding off until at least Tuesday before cancelling travel plans as we will likely have a clearer picture early next week of everything.
Update?
Not that I am expecting much of a different outcome, but can the organizers give us another update this morning as mentioned above?
--Ryan
Ryan Cross
Drupal Development Services
ProjectPier project management and collaboration software
Not much new to report
Theres not much new to report from Brisbane, there has been no events to change the current plans, which is that DrupalDownunder will proceed.
I mentioned above someone having half a meter of water throughout their place last week and were without power. They had their power restored last night and from what I have heard from energex reports they expect power to all uneffected or only mildly effected properties by this afternoon. So its only really those properties that are not inhabitable that will still be without power after today.
The lord mayor was encouraging everyone to get back to work this morning, so if that is anything to go by I think we can assume that he is happy people get back to normality. The CBD is mostly open for normally business, the only problem most people are probably going to experience is the traffic due to some roads still being closed (not necessarily because of water as that has mostly gone now, but damage to infrastructure will take time to repair). One example being Coronation Drive which is a 6 lane arterial road out of the city to western suburbs. It runs directly along the river and was flood effected. The problem is there is a concern that part of the river bank as eroded and could collapse, so half the lanes are closed (and in peak hour that road is already heavily congested)
I think what Beven posted above is pretty much spot on in regards to the recovering efforts. When everyone is here next weekend it will likely be hard to believe the worst natural disaster (financially) to hit Australia happened last week in this city.
Update Monday 17 Jan: 5:30 pm: event is ON
We appreciate your patience whilst we evaluated the information now available to us. The good news is that we are on track 100% to hold DrupalDownunder 2011 as planned.
Yesterday (Sunday 16) we personally inspected the areas which were both badly flooded and which would impact DrupalDownunder travel the greatest (Milton Rd near MacDonalds, Coronation Drive, etc) and the cleanup crews have done an outstanding job. We can see no reason to cancel the event, and in fact believe that by the end of the week, you may not notice any great evidence of any flood having even happened just last week. The Brisbane community has pitched in with extraordinary vigour and made us proud. Come and support them as they return to their businesses and start life again. And overdose on Drupal at the same time!
See you on the weekend.
Jeff & Sheree
Great News :D
Glad to hear that the event is still on and concerns have been taken on-board by organizers. The importance of the Drupal community is that everyone has an arena to voice there opinion. Something that everyone learnt at the DrupalCon CPH is that people have different concerns. And just because you do not share those concerns it in no way invalidates that persons concerns. It is our differences that makes Drupal so good, we are not all focused on one aspect of the technology but different aspects. It is these differences that make the Drupal Do-ocracy an amazing community to be apart.
In regards to corporate, due to insurance etc an enterprise or government will make a decision. When they send an employee to a conference there liability extends the duration of the conference. Might seem odd for some, however for enterprise and government there are business procedures, insurance, due diligence etc to be considered and adhered to.
Once again I would like to say a big thanks to all involved, I will be at the conference late on Saturday as I will be getting a lift up from NSW. Looking forward to seeing old faces and meeting new ones :D also will be around for Linux Conf :D.
Registration
Aimee and anyone else still hoping to come, don't forget to register asap. Please note, that if you don't pay in time and turn up at the event, there will be a late fee added to cater for the extra administrative hassle of having to deal with cash payments etc.
Registration closes on Thursday night so get in before time runs out!!
Cheers,
Sheree
marmaladesoul.com
Are there any major road
Are there any major road closures or blockages between BNE and Central Summit, or between Central Summit and the venue?
Bevan/
See the maps mashup
All the roadclosure data (and some other geocoded details) have been put up on this map. http://qldfloods.org/maps/floodflagmaps
--Ryan
Ryan Cross
Drupal Development Services
ProjectPier project management and collaboration software
Thanks Ryan. It appears
Thanks Ryan. It appears there are no road issues.
Bevan/