The Queensland Rugby League urge all with all residents who are experiencing the ongoing emergency weather situation occurring in northern Queensland to stay safe.
The thoughts of the rugby league community are with the people of the regions affected by the ongoing flooding.
“All the QRL and NRL staff are high and dry which is great, but there are many friends and family of all of us who are not so lucky,” QRL Northern Division (Region) Manager Scott Nosworthy said.
The Townsville Blackhawks have had to make adjustments to training, but report nothing has dampened the spirit of the community.
Head coach Aaron Payne, who’s property in Alice River has been isolated since Thursday, has been coaching via phone with the help of his assistant coaches.
“I was born in Townsville and have never seen rain like this,” Payne told the Townsville Blackhawks website.
“We are trying to not let it interfere with our pre-season too much, but it’s more important to us that all of our players, staff and families are safe.
“It’s really pleasing to see the community spirit on display.
“Some of the boys have been sandbagging, and they have all been pitching in and helping anyone that has needed assistance in the community.”
(As the rain continues to fall in Townsville, a decision will be made later in the week in regards to the trials games set down for this Saturday.)
NRL.com have reported on the massive evacuation of North Queensland Cowboys players, staff and their families after the worst floods on record have devastated the Townsville community.
“Today is about taking a head count and making sure everyone is accounted for and is safe and secure,” coach Paul Green told NRL.com on Monday morning.
"The second thing is about organising some short-term accommodation for everyone.”
Green said the natural disaster devastating Townsville was far from over.
"It is the worst flood they have ever had and it is not finished yet. We have still got more rain coming. It is about to get heavier today and continue up until Sunday," Green said.
A number of players have been assisting with rescues - including John Asiata and Antonio Winterstein.
The Queensland Government is offering assistance through the jointly funded Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for affected communities.
- Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government’s Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au.
“Significant rainfall in North Queensland continues to raise water levels and create flooding issues for more communities,” Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator Linda Reynolds said.
North Queensland disaster:
Please listen to Queensland Police and SES warnings and instructions and remember if it’s flooded, forget it.
Resources:
- Queensland Police (Twitter)
- Townsville Disaster Information (Facebook)
- Townsville City Council Emergency Management Dashboard
- Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (Facebook)
