A discussion forum has been set up for news, offers of/requests for assistance etc. for Queensland orienteers affected by the floods. It is running off Blair Trewin’s Attackpoint log at http://www.attackpoint.org/discussionthread.jsp/message_495631. (You need to create a user name to post).

The best wishes of all in Australian orienteering go out to those affected by this situation.

Update from Orienteering Queensland – Friday 14 January

In the aftermath of the Queensland floods, Orienteering Queensland is slowly piecing together information about who amongst the orienteering fraternity may have been adversely affected. Communications, particularly in Brisbane, have been severely hampered by power cuts affecting internet access and re-charging of mobile phones. Power is slowly being restored across affected areas so if you are wondering why emails and phone calls are not being answered by your friends this is the reason.

In summary, at this stage it appears that orienteers in Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Maryborough, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Warwick and Stanthorpe have not suffered any substantial damage to their properties. In Ipswich, we know of at least one evacuation and are awaiting details of others who may have been affected. We understand that the Deucker family, who some orienteers may remember from the 1980’s and 90’s and who now live at Grantham in the Brisbane Valley, are probably safe as their house was on an elevated site. The status of one orienteer’s house in Withcott at the foot of the Toowoomba Range is unknown.

As you would have seen from media reports, the situation in Brisbane is dire. We know of one family’s home in Fig Tree Pocket that was completely submerged and local Ugly Gully members are helping with their evacuation and recovery. Others in vulnerable areas are still being checked as are those in the southern suburbs of Moorooka and Fairfield. OQ’s state director of coaching, Fiona Calabro, was fortunate that their riverside home at Bulimba was not inundated although they had a spectacular view of what was floating past in the river.

It will take some time for the impact of the flood on people’s lives to be assessed, Meanwhile, if you want to find out about your friends and have been unable to reach them, contact Orienteering Queensland on oq@oq.asn.au or 1300 799 736 and we will try and pass on information.