Diary of a Flood Survivor

The talk around town at the moment is the effect that the buyback program is having on our little community.

The talk has made its way into the media and some neighbours have been interviewed about their thoughts.

While I don’t begrudge anyone taking the money offered to people to move out of the flood zone, I know of one friend in particular who, due to his age and the experience he had during the 2022 floods, it was the best outcome for him to move out of the area, I can understand the concern those of us who are left have.

I know one neighbour is concerned about what will happen to the land next door to their home, as both sides have been offered buyback.

And what about those who are offered to have their homes bought, but want to stay in the area? Do they get a choice?

The irony is in our street, on one side homes are being offered buybacks, and on the other side new homes are being built. Will this affect the local businesses who now see the population of the town reduce by that much?

It is a confusing time. Meanwhile, I am happy and proud and very sad to say we watched our younger son take off on a plane to go to Thailand for three months.

It does a mother’s heart good to know that despite all he has experienced doing his HSC during Australia’s worst weather event, he has brushed it off to go and explore the world and live his life as he should.

Having said that, however, I am praying that three months go by at a very fast pace.

Little steps.