Mr WETTENHALL (11 Feb 2009) (9.28 pm): The floods in north Queensland have affected thousands of people from the gulf to Mount Isa, Townsville, Cairns and of course the long-suffering people of Ingham, and seven people have lost their lives. In In a testament to the spirit of the people of the north, however, they have been quick this week to put their hardships into perspective following the tragic bushfires in Victoria.
Floods are a fact of life in the tropical north. If the predictions of climate change experts are correct, in the future we can expect more severe rainfall events. People in the south may also expect drier conditions to heighten the risk of severe bushfires.

These issues pose serious questions for our planners and regulators, particularly in relation to building design and construction, land use planning, water supply and emergency planning and response.

Of course, we as elected representatives have a responsibility to get the policies right as well.

Although fire and flood are often characterised as natural disasters, we must be willing to examine and accept where the human hand has contributed to these damaging, disruptive and in some cases fateful events.

Right now, however, it is appropriate to acknowledge all of the people involved in our
emergency services, whether they be paid or volunteer and whether they be in front-line or support roles.

I think it is also important to recognise the sacrifices that families of people involved in our emergency services make. When our firies, ambos, police, search and rescue teams, council and road gangs and electricity workers head off to raging floodwaters, road crashes or take to the forests, seas and skies, they all put their own lives at risk to varying degrees. Each and every time they do, their loved ones hope for their safe
return.

The floods have affected people in many ways. To the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences. Many people have suffered. Homes, property, livestock and wildlife have been lost. Livelihoods have been affected by prolonged road and rail closures. Even supermarket shelves have been laid bare. Roads, railways and other public infrastructure have been damaged and destroyed.

Governments will work together with communities to fix the damage, but nothing can bring back lives lost. We must be vigilant to educate and inform people about the risks we will all encounter again.

We must all take individual responsibility to prepare thoroughly and heed the warnings that are issued by authorities.

But there will always be a flood or a cyclone or a fire that confounds the best preparations and our experience.

This is Australia-a land of extremes. We must never surrender but we cannot conquer. We must adapt ourselves to its many moods whether they be bright or dark, fierce or benign.

After each new challenge is thrown up, we step up again, leaving behind recriminations, united in our local communities, working together, hand in hand, arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, looking forward.