Summer semester classes have been postponed until further notice at The University of Queensland (UQ) due to local flooding events across south-east Queensland.
UQ staff are also being encouraged to stay at home tomorrow (Wednesday, 12 January 2011).
This is intended to assist students and staff who are concerned about their homes, families, and pets, and to support community and government efforts to minimise non-essential road traffic.
No major UQ buildings have been inundated by floodwaters yet, however, in light of recent advice from the State Government that the 1974 flood levels in Brisbane are likely to be reached or even exceeded, The University is preparing a response plan to deal with the risk of floodwater reaching some buildings on its St Lucia campus.
UQ Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Keniger said occupants of UQ buildings that will potentially be affected will be advised to prepare plans to minimise the impact of flooding. For these facilities, The University will be co-ordinating response activities for the potential impact on buildings and associated infrastructure.
Classes scheduled for this afternoon, Wednesday and Thursday have been cancelled at all UQ campuses, with classes expected to resume as normal on Friday, 14 January 2011.
Professor Keniger said The University’s campuses at St Lucia, Ipswich, Herston and Princess Alexandra Hospital would not be fully operational this afternoon or tomorrow (Wednesday, 12 January 2011) with staff encouraged to take due care and stay at home if they are concerned about road closures and flooding in their area.
UQ’s Gatton campus is also not operational today due to local flooding cutting access for students, staff and visitors.
The Gatton campus was not flooded, however, power was lost to the campus this afternoon and access roads from Ipswich and Toowoomba, surrounding horticultural fields and the Gatton campus outer ring road were cut.
Professor Keniger said the safety of students and staff was the University’s key priority.
Four Gatton campus residents were safely evacuated and are now staying at the Gatton campus motel.
There are currently 57 people on the Gatton campus. On the advice of SES, these staff will not be evacuated due to crowding at other evacuation centres. These staff and students are safe and have food and accommodation.
There were leaks in some buildings at UQ Ipswich and Gatton, but no major damage has been reported. At the St Lucia campus, staff and students moved vehicles from low-lying areas as a precautionary measure. UQ’s Custom House in the Brisbane CBD has not been inundated, but the University is monitoring the Brisbane River levels closely.
Professor Keniger said the University expressed its concern and sympathy to students or staff whose friends or family who were affected by devastating and extensive flooding in Queensland.
Regular updates on UQ campus operations will be posted on the UQ Homepage.
University Security will remain on campus and may be contacted for a recorded update on conditions across the St Lucia, Ipswich and Herston campuses on 07 3365 1234. In emergency Security may be contacted directly on 07 3365 3333.
Road closures and flooding
For information on road closures, flooding and public transport, please refer to the following resources:
• Brisbane City Council
• RACQ
• ABC Local Radio
• Bureau of Meteorology
• Queensland Government Traffic and Travel Information
• Translink
Free counselling is available to staff through UQ's Employee Assistance Program provider, Davidson Trahaire Corpsych (DTC) telephone 1300 360 364.
The Queensland Government has launched an appeal to help fellow Queenslanders affected by the recent floods. For details of how to donate, please visit: www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html
Media: UQ Communications, Jan King, 0413 601 248, or Kathy Grube, 0418 524 297.
