V
PUMP
The Samford Progress Association’s free community newspaper printed continuously since 1977.
The ILLAGE
@TheVillagePumpSamford
“Your Community Newspaper, owned by the Samford Community and produced for the benefit of the Samford Community.” 9 FEBRUARY 2024
P: 0477 663 696 E: editor@villagepump.org.au NEXT DEADLINE THURSDAY 15/02/2024
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMIDST DEVASTATION Not too long ago, the notion of rain felt foreign to Samford, but that all changed on the evening of Monday, January 29th. Official reports indicated an astonishing 244mm of rainfall from midnight on Monday to 6am Tuesday. However, some rain gauges recorded even higher amounts, reaching up to 350mm in certain areas. The rain was relentless, loud, fast-moving, and, most importantly, devastating to local properties, livestock, and businesses. As we go to press, the community is still cleaning up. Yet, amidst the ruins, a resilient community has once again rallied together to support those families and businesses that have borne the brunt of nature’s fury. Heartbreaking tales surfaced, such as that of the Nindethana Droughtmaster cattle peacefully grazing in the paddocks around Samford Parklands. Owner Bronwyn Betts shared the distressing news that one bull, eight pregnant cows, and several calves were initially missing. They had been in the lower paddock along the South Pine River, overwhelmed by the swiftly rising water. Miraculously, a few days later, the bull was found wandering along a road in Eatons Hill, and some of the herd were located several kilometres away. Currently, two cows, a calf, a Galloway from a neighbouring property, and a horse remain missing. Bronwyn expressed profound gratitude for the swift community response, particularly
the efforts of Jo Pollard, who initiated a Facebook post that generated an immediate and overwhelming response. The cohesive and generous spirit of the community played a crucial role in locating most of the missing livestock. “I cannot express enough my thanks for the incredible community response. I am incredibly grateful,” she said.
At Samford’s Eco-Corridor (pictured), Peter Storer reported that this flood surpassed the devastation of 2022 by a metre or more. The South Pine River, still flowing rapidly on Tuesday morning, wreaked havoc, flattening new plantings and washing away topsoil and recently spread mulch, leaving large piles of debris and fallen trees. An emergency working bee on February 1st saw a remarkable turnout. “Thanks to the Samford Patisserie and the SDPPA, who provided sandwiches and refreshments to the volunteers,” he said. The Samford Bowls Club, which hosted 112 Veterans on January 29th, faced the shocking
Shop local at the Lifestyle Centre. Plant Nursery • Cafe • Gifts & Homewares • City Chicks Yarn Shop • Health & Beauty Services ... and even more! Find more info & open hours at www.lifestylecentre.co
225 Mt Glorious Rd, Samford ph. 3289 6276
destruction of their clubhouse and greens the following day. Over 80 volunteers converged on Wednesday to sweep, clean and provide nourishment. Club President Barry Maher was overwhelmed with the response, thanking the Samford Rural Fire Brigade, various businesses and individuals who responded so quickly. With two floods in two years, the Club has formed a sub-committee to discuss future planning and sustainability. Steve Parry, owner of the Samford Valley Weather Station in Highvale, reported a staggering 570.2mm of rainfall year-to-date, more than double the average amount. This aligns with the Bureau of Meteorology’s findings that Australia’s climate warmed by 1.48 °C between 1910 and 2022. Recent decades have witnessed a trend towards higher intensity, shortduration rainfall events, especially in northern Australia during the wet season. The rebuilding process will stretch across many weeks and months. GoFundMe pages have been set up for local families who have lost their possessions, with additional details available on local Facebook groups. If you’re on the trails in and around Samford and notice missing livestock or unusual signs such as misplaced manure or strange smells, please contact the Council. Thank you Samford for your remarkable response, exemplifying the unwavering community spirit that comes together when it is needed most. MM