[GSBN] Floods in Queensland, Australia

[Chris Newton]

Hi all

I know just about every continent is having its natural disasters of late, 
ours are floods. Emerald in central Queensland has had its highest flood 
level in 150 years on New Years Eve. In 2004 we built a tourist centre for 
the local council. 10m x 14m building; infill walls - 7 bales high; slab on 
ground; timber bottom plates with pea gravel; external render lime; internal 
earth.

The building was about above previous flood levels. I guess the good news is 
that the flood reached only 400mm in the SB given that the flood peaked a 
massive 16.5 metres above the river. The water has now subsided and our 
fears were confirmed by some anxious calls form Emerald. We were told that 
the water speed was torrential. The description is that the SB was hit by a 
high pressure hose for 3 days. It totally blasted the clay and lime renders 
off both sides of the wall.

So we are flying Colin, my husband, structural engineer, up to Emerald on 
Wednesday to eye ball it. Shall keep you in the picture about our progress.

Welcome to 2011
Chris and Col Newton