climate change... one for butcherboy, page-28

And...

During February 1893, Brisbane and its surrounding areas experienced the most severe flooding in the regions recorded history. A register from one meteorological station measured rainfall at 84'43 inches (2119.12 millimetres) over eight days.

The flood swept away the Victoria Bridge and hundreds of houses with many losing their homes and possessions. Residents of South Brisbane were left stricken by a shortage of fresh water for several days, yet the impact of the flood was felt in places as far away as Gympie where several mines were destroyed.

In Ipswich and Maryborough, 35 people died and over 300 were injured. Donations of produce, blankets and clothing were sent from people in Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand to assist flood victims.

Brisbane again experienced severe floods in January 1974, with the Brisbane River bursting its banks. Sixteen people were killed and more than 8000 houses were swept away. According to figures produced in 1974, the damage was estimated at more than $980 million.

All of it @

http://www.queenslandfirsts.org/01_cms/details.asp?ID=22